I'm proud to call Wisconsin home, but like many citizens, I find one law in particular to be in desperate need of change.
Wisconsin is one of only a handful of U.S. states that permits the use of hounds for bear hunting. Many bear hunters in Wisconsin train and hunt bear with their packs of hounds throughout known wolf territory, jeopardizing the lives of the dogs.
At the time this petition was published, 29 dogs had already been killed in 2016 due to the irresponsible, inhumane, and reckless behavior of their owners. When the unfortunate hunting dog death occurs due to wolves protecting their young and territory, owners of the deceased dogs receive payouts from the state of up to $2,500 per dog. Wisconsin is the ONLY state in the nation that compensates hunters when wolves kill their hunting animals.
All bear hunters have access to information on the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) website, including maps indicating wolf caution areas. The DNR website states that bear hunters are urged to "exercise great caution if they plan to train hounds or hunt bear with hounds near any caution area." But despite those clear warnings, hunters proceed to place their dogs in dangerous situations with native wildlife.
We need to do all that we can to get the attention of Wisconsin's legislators and Governor on this issue. This is wasteful spending and Wisconsin can do better. Taxpayer money should not go towards irresponsible hunters who deliberately place their dogs in harm's way.
Take action today, add your name and help ensure this payout policy is eliminated in Wisconsin.
Read more about this issue here.
