Bill to Ban Hound Hunting of Bears and Bobcats Introduced in California
OutdoorHub Reporters 04.04.12
The Humane Society of the United States and California State Senator Ted Lieu – D, Redondo Beach, have introduced Senate Bill 1221 aimed at banning hound hunting for bears and bobcats. The proposed legislation would authorize Department of Fish and Game (DFG) employees to capture any dog not under the “reasonable control” of its owner or handler. The bill was originally written for air-quality control.
The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance is against the legislation. A release on its website says the bill is an attack on hunters and public safety. “Coupled with California’s dramatic increases in population and urbanization, it is increasingly important that state wildlife officials have every tool necessary to control populations. Hunting with hounds is an accepted, effective, challenging and humane method of hunting,” the release said.
Jim Matthews, writing for the Outdoor News Service, wrote that this could have implications for when he’s waterfowl hunting. While his dog is a good retriever, he is known for running after the occasional rabbit or bobcat. If wardens were to catch him doing so, he could “dispatch” him.
The committee will hold a hearing date on April 24th, 2012.
