A conservation officer in Idaho this week made the “tough choice” to shoot and kill a dog as it was chasing deer.
According to the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, the officer was responding to an unrelated call on April 10 in south Pocatello when he was approached by citizens who had just watched two dogs chase and kill a fawn.
After inspecting the dead fawn, the officer witnessed one of the dogs scattering deer from the shade of junipers and attempting to run them down.
“The officer shot the dog which was engaged in pursuit of the animals,” the IDFG stated in a news release.
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A Bannock County Sheriff’s Office deputy told the IDFG that the office had received reports about the same two dogs harassing deer in recent weeks.
The dead dog was returned to its owner, while the owner of the second dog was cited and fined $136.
“According to state code, it is unlawful for people to allow their dogs to harass, chase, or kill big game animals in Idaho, and Fish and Game officers are authorized to shoot dogs that are actively engaged in those behaviors,” the IDFG stated in the news release.
Jennifer Jackson, a spokeswoman for the agency’s Southeast Region, added:
“It’s tough on our officers to have to make these decisions. Many of our officers are dog owners, too. But, it’s also tough to watch deer being chased down or killed by people’s pets – especially now after such a hard winter when these deer are so vulnerable.”
–Photo: ©Pete Thomas