N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission News Releases

RALEIGH, N.C. (Oct. 17, 2006) – Before going bear hunting, Von Plemmons of Madison County will attach a radio tracking collar to his hounds. While it is an expensive device, Plemmons, like many hunters, feels tracking collars are worth the cost to prevent losing a valued hunting dog.

Plemmons lost a dog during an October 2005 hunt in western North Carolina and suspects he – and the dog – were victims of one of several incidents reported each year involving electronic dog collar tampering.

The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission has published a brochure to help prevent such incidents and inform the public about the state law concerning electronic dog collars. Brochures will be made available at trailheads and other access points, at wildlife education centers and other venues.

Hunters believe it will help.

“I think the dog wandered onto property where they didn’t want hunting,” Plemmons said. “I can understand their feelings, but a dog can’t read. The signal ended very sudden, and I said to the fellows ‘somebody just turned that collar off.’ We haven’t seen the dog since.”

Hunters also report dogs returning from hunts without their tracking collars and later the collars are found discarded along hiking trails.

“Some people may think they’re shock collars and that they are doing the dog a favor,” Plemmons said. “But these are tracking collars to get the dog home.”

It may be misdirected good intentions or malicious vandalism, but tampering with electronic dog collars is illegal. A statewide law, N.C. General Statute 14-401.17, makes removal, tampering or destroying electronic dog collars a crime. A Class 3 misdemeanor on first offense, conviction carries a maximum fine of $200. A subsequent conviction is a Class 2 misdemeanor with a $1,000 maximum fine.

“As of Dec. 1, 2005, that law is in effect statewide,” said Sgt. Robert Fullbright, a wildlife enforcement officer in western North Carolina. “There are a few violations every year, usually in the mountains with bear dogs.”

Most of the citations issued in the western region of the state have involved either property owners or hikers, according to Wildlife Enforcement Officer Edwin Grant.

Henry Bryson of Sylva, president of the Smoky Mountain Bear Hunters Association, said members have suffered occasional thefts and vandalism of tracking collars in the past.

“If folks know better, they might not do it,” Bryson said.