CASPER, Wyo. — The Wyoming Game and Fish Department said on Wednesday, Oct. 28 that a Lander game warden “received five reports last week of dogs harassing, attacking and mutilating deer” in the area.
Game and Fish asked that pet owners ensure dogs are “properly secured on your property and are leashed or under your control on trails.”
“Unfortunately, this is a common call that game wardens receive and most of the time the dogs are nowhere to be found once they arrive at the scene,” Game and Fish said.
Game Warden Brady Frude reported that most of the deer who were attacked “died of their injuries or had to be euthanized because of them.”
“The reports given indicated different dogs attacking deer on different days with all dogs appearing to have homes as they were wearing collars,” Game and Fish said. “Dog owners are responsible for controlling their pets and can be punished by up to six months in prison and a fine of up to $1,000 if their dog is seen harassing, chasing or injuring big game.”
Frude added that people should report violations rather than “taking matters into your own hands.
“While landowners are allowed to kill dogs harassing their livestock, private citizens may not kill dogs harassing wildlife,” Frude said. “Instead of taking matters into your own hands, please call the hotline to report the situation. And if you get a chance, photos sure can help with any future investigation.”
“And if you get a chance, photos sure can help with any future investigation,” he added.
“If you see a violation, call the Wyoming Game and Fish Hotline at 1-877-WGFD-TIP (1-877-943-3847),” Game and Fish said. “You can call to report violations day or night and on holidays. You can also report violations by texting “WGFD” to TIP411 (847-411) , through the Game and Fish website, or by calling your local game warden.”
