Wisconsin debates use of dogs to hunt wolves

The Associated Press

Published: Sunday, Sep. 9, 2012

MADISON, Wis. -- As Wisconsin prepares for its first wolf season, hunting groups say using dogs to track wolves is essential to success.

But animal welfare advocates say the state needs to do more to protect dogs from potentially deadly confrontations with wolves.

A Dane County judge who has temporarily has banned the use of dogs in the hunt will hold a hearing Friday.

Bob Welch, executive director of the Wisconsin Hunters Rights Coalition, tells the Wisconsin State Journal ( http://bit.ly/Oyxoa7) that hunters who can't use dogs are unlikely to kill any wolves.
Wisconsin would be the first state to allow hunting dogs for tracking wolves. Neighboring Minnesota does not. Wisconsin will allow the killing of 200 of the state's more than 800 wolves during the five-month season beginning Oct. 15.

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