Officials: Dog Owners Face Fines Over Wildlife Harassment
DURANGO, Colo. (AP) — State wildlife officials are cautioning dog owners not to let their pets chase vulnerable wildlife during the winter, saying some people have been fined because of their animals' actions.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife said Wednesday one dog owner faces a $277 fine after a pet chased a herd of 20 elk into the Animas River north of Durango in early January.
Three other people face fines of $275 each after their dogs killed three elk in the San Luis Valley.
In another incident, a dog suffered minor injuries when it tangled with a mountain lion.
Parks and Wildlife officials say state law gives game wardens and police officers the authority to shoot dogs that are chasing wildlife. Officials say they'd rather persuade dog owners to keep their animals on leashes.
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