Statistics
Jun
22
Denver Post Columnist Charlie Meyers, on Page 14 C of the 06-21-09 Sunday paper described a situation affecting gun owners and outdoor sports enthusiasts that occurred in Douglas County, Colorado in June of last year. The headline was “Douglas County has gone to the dogs.”
Colorado Citizen Ron Wedow killed a large dog that was attacking a doe, after the dog had killed her fawn. As Meyers points out in the article, Wedow was justified in the shooting by Colorado State Statute 33-3-106. Quoting from the statute: “Nothing in this section shall make it unlawful to… kill, or otherwise dispose of…dogs without a permit in situations when it is necessary… to prevent them from inflicting death or injury to big game…” (Here.) Click on Colorado Revised Statutes and look up the number. (Not legal advice-just reading the law.)
The plot thickened when a Douglas County Animal Control Officer later cited Wedow for cruelty to animals. When advised by the State Department of Wildlife that it was legal for Wedow to shoot the offending canine, Douglas County Officials stood what seems to be their shaky ground.
Research on the Douglas County Website indicates that animal control in the county is done through a contract between the Sheriff’s Office and the Pikes Peak Humane Society. Please call Douglas County Offices at 303-660-7400 and Animal Control at 303-660-7529 and ask them to abide by state law.
The county website is here. Apparently you have to log in to comment. They may only accept on-line comments from county residents.
As far as I can tell, we are still living under the rule of law. Bureaucrats, no matter how tender hearted and well meaning, can not legally trump state statutes with local regulations.
Lest you think this issue is not significant, Wedow estimates his legal bills to be in the ballpark of $15,000 and it ain’t over yet. Eternal vigilance!
Def Mech
Comments
1 Comment so far
Powered by FireStats
This whole animal rights crap has gotten out of hand. The law is the law and trumps the Bambi crowds teardrops over the disposal of an unacceptable mongrel. In my home town any animal running loose in the forest is shot on sight as many are involved in killing and mutilating wildlife. Keep your dog at home or expect it fulfil it’s role in nature and become buzzard food.