Don’t Tamper with the Collars
Photo courtesy of NCDeer Raspy-1 “Chopper on a Ringtail”
NC Wildlife is reminding people that there is a law on the books about tampering with collars on hunting dogs. From time to time issues arise when dogs end up on property they are not welcome on but tampering with the collars is not a good option.
RALEIGH, N.C. (Oct. 17, 2006) – Before going bear hunting, Von Plemmons of Madison County will attach a radio tracking collar to his hounds. While it is an expensive device, Plemmons, like many hunters, feels tracking collars are worth the cost to prevent losing a valued hunting dog.
Plemmons lost a dog during an October 2005 hunt in western North Carolina and suspects he – and the dog – were victims of one of several incidents reported each year involving electronic dog collar tampering.
The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission has published a brochure to help prevent such incidents and inform the public about the state law concerning electronic dog collars. Brochures will be made available at trailheads and other access points, at wildlife education centers and other venues.
Hunters believe it will help.
“I think the dog wandered onto property where they didn’t want hunting,” Plemmons said. “I can understand their feelings, but a dog can’t read. The signal ended very sudden, and I said to the fellows ‘somebody just turned that collar off.’ We haven’t seen the dog since.”
Hunters also report dogs returning from hunts without their tracking collars and later the collars are found discarded along hiking trails.
“Some people may think they’re shock collars and that they are doing the dog a favor,” Plemmons said. “But these are tracking collars to get the dog home.”
It may be misdirected good intentions or malicious vandalism, but tampering with electronic dog collars is illegal. A statewide law, N.C. General Statute 14-401.17, makes removal, tampering or destroying electronic dog collars a crime. A Class 3 misdemeanor on first offense, conviction carries a maximum fine of $200. A subsequent conviction is a Class 2 misdemeanor with a $1,000 maximum fine.
“As of Dec. 1, 2005, that law is in effect statewide,” said Sgt. Robert Fullbright, a wildlife enforcement officer in western North Carolina. “There are a few violations every year, usually in the mountains with bear dogs.”
Most of the citations issued in the western region of the state have involved either property owners or hikers, according to Wildlife Enforcement Officer Edwin Grant.
Henry Bryson of Sylva, president of the Smoky Mountain Bear Hunters Association, said members have suffered occasional thefts and vandalism of tracking collars in the past.
“If folks know better, they might not do it,” Bryson said.
Cool story brotha. Wish you could have got one, after all the head ache. T.
[...] Have you ever been out in the woods and encountered a hunting dog wearing a radio collar? Moose at Moose Droppings has some advice for those thinking of messing with the collars. [...]
Pingback by Black Bear Blog » Blog Archive » Hunting Dogs With Collars — October 18, 2006 @ 10:14 am
[...] Although not surprising on some levels it is also somewhat unbelievable that anyone would steal someone else’s dog. The animal rights wackos need to have the book thrown at them for this stunt. You may not agree with the use of dogs for hunting but nothing gives you the right to obstruct, harass, or interfere with the lawful activity. Here in NC it is now illegal to remove a hunting dogs’ tracking collar as we reported in an earlier post. NORFOLK - Two employees from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals have been charged with abducting a hunting dog in Southampton County. About 10 a.m. Wednesday, a witness reported seeing two women in a vehicle with PETA markings take the dog from the side of Meherrin Road, said Detective Cpl. Richard Morris of the Southampton County Sheriff’s Office. A witness alerted the county animal control officer - who happened to own the dog. The officer stopped the vehicle soon after and, finding his dog inside, turned the case over to a colleague, Morris said. The dog’s radio tracking collar had been removed and was found near where the women reportedly picked up the animal, Morris added. The two women were released and not charged at the time, Morris said. Arrest w arrants were issued later. Morris identified the two as Carrie Beth Edwards, 26, of Hampton Boulevard, Norfolk, and Andrea Florence Benoit, 25, of Henwick Court, Chesapeake. Each has been charged with grand larceny and petit larceny for taking the dog and radio collar, respectively. The two women are expected to surrender at the sheriff’s office today, Morris said. PETA issued a statement Thursday saying the two had done nothing wrong. “They found a dog alongside a busy highway and picked her up for her own safety,” the statement read. “That’s what we tell everyone to do when they encounter strays - stop and assist.” The statement said the women were calling in the dog’s tag numbers to the PETA office to help find the owner when they were approached by the officer who owned the dog, which they immediately turned over. There is no leash law in Southampton County, Morris said, so dogs are allowed to run free. PETA said its workers did not know this, adding that this law “needs to be changed for the animals’ own safety.” [...]
Pingback by Moose Droppings » PETA Workers Abduct Virginia Hunting Dog — October 27, 2006 @ 10:56 pm
[...] was only about a year ago when I brought you the press release from NCWC reminding folks to not mess with hunting dog collars. Well it’s [...]
Pingback by Moose Droppings » Don’t Mess With the Dog Collars — October 30, 2007 @ 12:22 am