Thursday, March 06, 2008

DOW says DON’T LET YOUR DOG CHASE WILDLIFE

This just in from the Division of Wildlife: Every year DOW offices receive hundreds of calls reporting dogs chasing deer, elk or other wildlife species, but this year’s heavy snowfall has pushed wildlife closer to homes and has left wildlife in an even more vulnerable condition.

Deer and elk that are forced to run from dogs must use the energy stores that they need to carry them through the winter months. Even if the animal is not caught, the stress and fatigue caused by the chase could cause the animal to die later.This problem is increasing as more people are moving into rural areas that deer and elk use for winter-range habitat. Large animals congregate in the winter months which make them an easy target for dogs.

DOW officials also emphasize that dog/wildlife conflicts are not just a winter problem. Deer fawns and elk calves are especially susceptible to attack shortly after they are born in the spring.

Pet owners are legally responsible for any damages that are caused to wildlife by their dogs. Under Colorado statute, pet owners can be fined $274 if their animals are harassing wildlife. If a dog kills or injures an animal, an additional fine of $500 can be assessed.


4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oh brother. Here we go again with more of that guy whining about leashes...

Dave Philipps said...

Hey, look. I'm a dog owner. I like letting my dogs off leash, but it has to be the right setting.

Anonymous said...

Dogowner sez:

"But if I keep them on leash I might have to pick up their poop."

-Teleken

Anonymous said...

Ok, so too little snow, you want us to use let water for the pretty deer. Now too much snow (which many will not acknowledge) and the deer are now in danger from the family dog. Next up, bambi is harassed by the eveeel H2.

There are too many deer. The state wants more folks to hunt. This is called evolution...