LANSING – The Michigan House recently passed a plan proposed by State Representative Gary McDowell (D-Rudyard) that allows residents to capture or kill a gray wolf that is threatening their dog.
"Times are changing, and gray wolves no longer need the protections they once had in the Upper Peninsula," McDowell said. "The wolf population has increased significantly, and the state is currently in the process of removing the wolf from the endangered species list. As the chances of interaction between humans and wolves increase, all options must be on the table when dealing with gray wolves that attack our pets and our livestock."
Under McDowell's bill, a person who captures or kills a gray wolf attacking their dog will be required to report the incident to a conservation officer within 12 hours. The person would then maintain possession of the gray wolf until a conservation officer is available to take possession of it and transfer it to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for examination. The DNR would be required to respond within 12 hours.
A violation of these requirements would be a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to 90 days and/or a fine of $100 to $1,000 and the costs of prosecution.
McDowell also supported a similar bill which passed the House this week that allows people to capture or kill a gray wolf that is attacking livestock. The Upper Peninsula wolf population was estimated at 509 in a census conducted earlier this year.
"Dogs are not only financial investments – they are also much-loved members of our families," McDowell said. "No one should have to stand by helplessly as a wolf attacks their dog. This plan will ensure that a person protecting their dog from a wolf attack is not treated like a criminal."