Natural Resources – wolves — hunting dogs

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Wisconsin Court of Appeals

Civil

Natural Resources – wolves — hunting dogs

Six animal welfare organizations and three individuals, whom we refer to collectively as “the Societies” for ease of reference, appeal the circuit court’s order denying declaratory and injunctive relief that the Societies sought relating to emergency rules that were promulgated by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. More specifically, the Societies sought a declaration invalidating DNR rules to the extent that the rules authorize the training and use of dogs to hunt wolves, and an injunction prohibiting DNR from authorizing the training or use of dogs to track or trail wolves until further “reasonable restrictions” are promulgated.

The circuit court denied the Societies’ requested relief as it relates to the use of dogs to hunt wolves. In the appeal before us, the Societies make multiple arguments challenging this denial. We identify and reject these arguments. Not recommended for publication in the official reports.

2013AP902 Wisconsin Federated Humane Society Inc. et al. v. Stepp et al.

Dist IV, Dane County, Anderson, J., Lundsten, J.

Attorneys: For Appellant: Habush, Robert L., Milwaukee; Sinderbrand, Carl A., Madison; Habush, Jodi L., Milwaukee; For Respondent: Dawson, Thomas J., Madison; Hirsch, Cynthia R., Madison; Janczewski, Thomas A., Milwaukee