HSB 157

This bill relates to entering private property when using a dog while fur harvesting or training a dog on a fur-bearing animal. Under current law, a person with a valid fur harvester license may train certain dogs on any fur-bearing animals at any time of the year. A person with a valid hunting or fur harvester license may also train a dog on coyotes or groundhogs. Under the bill, a person who uses a dog while fur harvesting or training a dog on a fur-bearing animal shall not allow the dog to enter the property of another without first receiving the property owner’s permission. A person who violates the provisions of the bill commits a simple misdemeanor. A simple misdemeanor is punishable by confinement for no more than days or a fine of at least $105 but no more than $855 or by both. In addition, a person who violates the provisions of the bill is subject to existing civil damages in Code chapter 481A relating to unlawfully taking an animal. A fur-bearing animal taken by a person while the person is violating the provisions of the bill is subject to seizure by the director of the department of natural resources or a peace officer.