SB 1221 Summary

• Prohibits use of dogs to pursue bears or bobcats at any time, except for law enforcement officers carrying out official duties.

• Allows use of up to 3 dogs to pursue bears or bobcats under a depredation permit issued by the department, valid for 20 consecutive days and one animal take, with requirements for nonlethal measures and handler compensation restrictions.

• Authorizes the department to permit qualified individuals, educational institutions, and organizations to use dogs to pursue bears or bobcats for scientific research that contributes to wildlife ecosystem knowledge and sustainability without intentional injury or killing.

• Permits dogs to pursue bears or bobcats when guarding or protecting livestock or crops on property owned, leased, or rented by the dog owner, if dogs remain in reasonable proximity to the protected livestock or crops.

• Establishes an optional hound tag program allowing the Fish and Game Commission to require licensing, microchipping, vaccination documentation, and other tracking requirements for dogs used to pursue mammals.