Big Game
03-21-2002, 08:20 PM
This really doesn't pertain to us here in Michigan, but it may affect you if you travel to Iowa to hunt and use your own dogs. Just thought I would pass it on:
House File 2313 (HF 2313), introduced by Iowa Democratic Rep. Mark Kuhn, would have banned all hunting with dogs if passed by the Iowa legislature. The bill itself failed to emerge from committee in time to stand alone, but supporters are attempting to amend the language and add it to another bill that's still advancing in the state legislature.
HF 2313 defines animal fighting to include events where "one animal may cause harm or torment to another." Sponsors of the bill appear to be working to end bull fighting, dog fighting and cock fighting, but the language would do more.
A hunting dog breaking and grabbing a pheasant's neck or catching a raccoon would be considered animal fighting. This language would impact any sportsman who uses a dog--from field trialers to foxhunters. The problem could be solved with an exemption for hunting with dogs and other commonly accepted practices that involve sporting dogs.
The U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance is working with sportsmen's groups in Iowa to persuade Kuhn to amend the bill's language. Should the groups' attempt be unsuccessful, Iowa sportsmen will be called upon to contact their state representatives to oppose HF 2313.
House File 2313 (HF 2313), introduced by Iowa Democratic Rep. Mark Kuhn, would have banned all hunting with dogs if passed by the Iowa legislature. The bill itself failed to emerge from committee in time to stand alone, but supporters are attempting to amend the language and add it to another bill that's still advancing in the state legislature.
HF 2313 defines animal fighting to include events where "one animal may cause harm or torment to another." Sponsors of the bill appear to be working to end bull fighting, dog fighting and cock fighting, but the language would do more.
A hunting dog breaking and grabbing a pheasant's neck or catching a raccoon would be considered animal fighting. This language would impact any sportsman who uses a dog--from field trialers to foxhunters. The problem could be solved with an exemption for hunting with dogs and other commonly accepted practices that involve sporting dogs.
The U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance is working with sportsmen's groups in Iowa to persuade Kuhn to amend the bill's language. Should the groups' attempt be unsuccessful, Iowa sportsmen will be called upon to contact their state representatives to oppose HF 2313.