The Arizona Game and Fish Commission has rejected a petition that would have banned the use of dog packs to hunt wildlife in the state.
Conservation groups sought to outlaw these dog packs from hunting mountain lions, bears and other wildlife.
They claim that evidence shows that their use leads to the harassment and impact of threatened species like jaguars and ocelots.
The Center for Biological Diversity called the commission’s rejection “out of touch” and said that at least five jaguars in the region have been harassed and displaced from their habitat.
In a statement, Game and Fish says the petitioners’ allegations are unfounded and not supported in scientific literature.
An April 11 recording is available of the commission considering the petition (Agenda Item 3), related presentations and testimonials. The commission begins to consider Item 3 at 42 minutes and 47 seconds in.
