The state Senate Committee on Natural Resources is currently debating a bill that would forbid the use of dogs in wolf hunts in Wisconsin.
Wisconsin is currently the only state that allows the use of dogs during a wolf hunt, according to a statement Sen. Fred Risser, D-Madison, released Friday.
The use of dogs while pursuing wolves has caused contention in the state due to concerns about dogs’ welfare.
Currently, state law allows for hunters to be compensated for the cost of a dog killed during a hunt.
“Since June of this year alone, 26 dogs have been killed by wolves and an estimated $65,000 can be expected to be paid to the owners of these dogs as compensation,” Risser said in the statement. “In my view, this is not the best use of tax dollars.”
The bill is not yet scheduled for a hearing in the state Senate.
