priore@stolaf.edu (03/23/91)
From: priore@stolaf.edu () Having hunted in New York state, Missouri, and Minnesota using dogs is an absolute no-no. I think the reason may be the fact that so many dog owners let their dogs roam. They form packs and then off they go running down deer. Now maybe in the south thats not a big problem, but with all of the snow cover up here a deer has a very good chance of getting killed. As a landowner, I have shot at least 12 dogs in the past 6 years on my property in Minnesota. We have an "arousal of livestock" clause here (at least in my county) which roughly states that a dog chasing livestock may be dropped without any sort of legal penalty to the farmer. I board Clydesdales (roughly $1,000-$6,000) apiece. When a dog runs them your're looking at a lot of investment about to get its leg broken in a fall etc. The dog bites the bullet, literally. I've also had packs of dogs come into the yard and try to grab one of my chickens. Believe it or not a full grown pullet n represents a lot of money;especially if they are layers like mine are. I absolutely LOVE dogs;and have a purebred Norwegian Elkhound of my own. But he is well aware that he cannot run deer,chickens or horses without getting some sort of punishment. I regret to say that I have "put down" two of my own dogs for runnig deer and killing chickens. I could go on and on but I think you get the jist of my argument. Bottom line is ;it isn't sporting and it usually leads to other more serious problems. -- Charles F. Priore Science Librarian CPRIORE@carleton.edu Carleton College priore@thor.acc.stolaf.edu St. Olaf College