A new bill in the Washington State Legislature is stirring debate among lawmakers, wildlife activists, and local law enforcement.
Senate Bill 5482 aims to stop local police from using dogs to track and capture predators like bears, cougars, and wolves unless they get approval from the state.
Supporters say it’s necessary for better wildlife protection, while opponents argue it could slow down responses to safety threats.
What Does The Bill Propose?
Currently, local police and county sheriffs can use trained dogs to hunt dangerous predators when public safety or livestock protection is at risk.
The new bill, introduced by Senator Marko Liias (D-Mukilteo), would require law enforcement to first get permission from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) before using hounds to track these animals.
Why Some Support the Bill?
Senator Liias pointed out that Washington voters have supported limits on hound hunting for years. In 1996, Initiative 655 banned most hound hunting with over 60% voter approval.
“Cougars don’t pose a major threat to public safety,” Liias said. “Killing too many can cause more problems.”
Wildlife activists are especially worried about counties like Klickitat, where local law enforcement has used hound hunts without WDFW oversight. Some residents claim these hunts are unnecessary and dangerous.
Rachel Heymon, a Klickitat County resident, said excessive hound hunting disrupts the ecosystem and makes communities unsafe.
“There were 154 hound hunts in five years, with armed volunteers chasing animals that weren’t even a threat,” she said.
“These hunts scare people and harm the environment. We need experts to handle this, not volunteers with guns.”
Environmental groups like Friends of the White Salmon River also support the bill, saying it will prevent reckless hunting.
“Right now, some counties don’t follow rules on which animals can be hunted,” said Pat Arnold, the group’s director. “This disrupts the cougar population and can increase conflicts with humans.”
Experts also argue that removing too many adult predators leads to younger, more aggressive animals taking their place, which can increase human-wildlife conflicts.
Why Do Others Oppose the Bill?
Critics say the bill could put public safety at risk by making it harder for local officers to respond quickly.
“Public safety is our top priority,” said Stevens County Sheriff Brad Manke. “If we have to wait for state approval every time, it could lead to more dangerous encounters.”
Some rural residents fear that if local officers lose the ability to act fast, people will start taking matters into their own hands.
Richard Eich, a longtime hound hunter, worries that communities will suffer.
“We’ve worked with the WDFW for years,” Eich said. “Taking away local control will just force people to handle these issues on their own, without reporting it.”
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What’s Next for the Bill?
The bill does not stop counties from handling emergencies. Instead, it ensures that predator management is based on expert research, not local decisions.
Senate Bill 5482 had its first hearing on Monday. Lawmakers must vote on it by Friday, or the bill will likely be dropped for this session.
This debate highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing public safety with responsible wildlife management.
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