Is it a felony to remove a hunting dog’s collar?
As a hunter, there are many laws and regulations that you must follow to ensure the welfare and safety of your hunting dogs. One of the most critical aspects of hunting dog ownership is ensuring that your dog is properly identified and can be easily returned to you in the event that it becomes lost. One common method of identification is to fit your dog with a collar and identification tags.
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What are the laws regarding hunting dog collars?
In the United States, the laws regarding hunting dog collars vary from state to state. While there is no federal law that specifically prohibits the removal of a hunting dog’s collar, many states have enacted laws that make it a crime to remove or tamper with a hunting dog’s collar.
State-by-State Laws
The following table outlines some of the states that have laws regarding hunting dog collars:
| State | Law | Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Sec. 13A-11-264. Removing identification tag or collar (Class C Misdemeanor) | Up to $500 fine and/or up to 3 months in jail |
| Alaska | AS 11.56.120. Removing or tampering with identification tags (Class A Misdemeanor) | Up to 1 year in jail and/or $10,000 fine |
| Arizona | A.R.S. 13-2916. Tampering with or removing identification tags (Class 1 Misdemeanor) | Up to 6 months in jail and/or $2,500 fine |
| California | Penal Code 597.5. Removing identification tags (Misdemeanor) | Up to 1 year in jail and/or $1,000 fine |
| Florida | F.S. 828.27. Removing or tampering with identification tags (Misdemeanor) | Up to 60 days in jail and/or $500 fine |
| Georgia | O.C.G.A. 16-11-153. Removing or tampering with identification tags (Misdemeanor) | Up to 12 months in jail and/or $1,000 fine |
| Idaho | I.C. 18-6704. Removing or tampering with identification tags (Misdemeanor) | Up to 90 days in jail and/or $1,000 fine |
| Indiana | I.C. 35-45-4-8. Removing or tampering with identification tags (Misdemeanor) | Up to 60 days in jail and/or $500 fine |
| Kentucky | KRS 258.955. Removing or tampering with identification tags (Misdemeanor) | Up to 60 days in jail and/or $500 fine |
| Maine | 17-A M.R.S.A. 1303. Removing or tampering with identification tags (Misdemeanor) | Up to 90 days in jail and/or $500 fine |
| Maryland | Code Ann. 10-616. Removing or tampering with identification tags (Misdemeanor) | Up to 90 days in jail and/or $500 fine |
| Michigan | M.C.L.A. 750.242. Removing or tampering with identification tags (Misdemeanor) | Up to 90 days in jail and/or $500 fine |
| Minnesota | M.S. 343.24. Removing or tampering with identification tags (Misdemeanor) | Up to 90 days in jail and/or $500 fine |
| Mississippi | Miss. Code Ann. 97-41-1. Removing or tampering with identification tags (Misdemeanor) | Up to 90 days in jail and/or $500 fine |
| Missouri | R.S.Mo. 565.080. Removing or tampering with identification tags (Misdemeanor) | Up to 90 days in jail and/or $500 fine |
| Montana | M.C.A. 45-8-211. Removing or tampering with identification tags (Misdemeanor) | Up to 90 days in jail and/or $500 fine |
| Nebraska | R.R.S. Neb. 28-621. Removing or tampering with identification tags (Misdemeanor) | Up to 90 days in jail and/or $500 fine |
| Nevada | N.R.S. 206.310. Removing or tampering with identification tags (Misdemeanor) | Up to 90 days in jail and/or $500 fine |
| New Hampshire | RSA 644:10. Removing or tampering with identification tags (Misdemeanor) | Up to 90 days in jail and/or $500 fine |
| New Jersey | N.J.S.A. 4:22-2. Removing or tampering with identification tags (Misdemeanor) | Up to 90 days in jail and/or $500 fine |
| New York | Penal Law 530.75. Removing or tampering with identification tags (Misdemeanor) | Up to 90 days in jail and/or $500 fine |
| North Carolina | G.S. 14-306. Removing or tampering with identification tags (Misdemeanor) | Up to 90 days in jail and/or $500 fine |
| North Dakota | N.D.C.C. 12.1-31-04. Removing or tampering with identification tags (Misdemeanor) | Up to 90 days in jail and/or $500 fine |
| Ohio | R.C. 951.21. Removing or tampering with identification tags (Misdemeanor) | Up to 90 days in jail and/or $500 fine |
| Oklahoma | 21 O.S. 1375. Removing or tampering with identification tags (Misdemeanor) | Up to 90 days in jail and/or $500 fine |
| Oregon | ORS 167.345. Removing or tampering with identification tags (Misdemeanor) | Up to 90 days in jail and/or $500 fine |
| Pennsylvania | 18 Pa.C.S.A. 2913. Removing or tampering with identification tags (Misdemeanor) | Up to 90 days in jail and/or $500 fine |
| Rhode Island | G.L. 11-23-1. Removing or tampering with identification tags (Misdemeanor) | Up to 90 days in jail and/or $500 fine |
| South Carolina | S.C. Code Ann. 16-13-70. Removing or tampering with identification tags (Misdemeanor) | Up to 90 days in jail and/or $500 fine |
| South Dakota | S.D.C.L. 21-23-24. Removing or tampering with identification tags (Misdemeanor) | Up to 90 days in jail and/or $500 fine |
| Tennessee | T.C.A. 39-14-403. Removing or tampering with identification tags (Misdemeanor) | Up to 90 days in jail and/or $500 fine |
| Texas | Penal Code 15.05. Removing or tampering with identification tags (Misdemeanor) | Up to 90 days in jail and/or $500 fine |
| Utah | U.C.A. 76-10-2403. Removing or tampering with identification tags (Misdemeanor) | Up to 90 days in jail and/or $500 fine |
| Vermont | 13 V.S.A. 3503. Removing or tampering with identification tags (Misdemeanor) | Up to 90 days in jail and/or $500 fine |
| Virginia | Code of Va. 18.2-144. Removing or tampering with identification tags (Misdemeanor) | Up to 90 days in jail and/or $500 fine |
| Washington | RCW 16.52.140. Removing or tampering with identification tags (Misdemeanor) | Up to 90 days in jail and/or $500 fine |
| West Virginia | W.Va. Code 61-8-19. Removing or tampering with identification tags (Misdemeanor) | Up to 90 days in jail and/or $500 fine |
| Wisconsin | Wis. Stat. 951.21. Removing or tampering with identification tags (Misdemeanor) | Up to 90 days in jail and/or $500 fine |
| Wyoming | W.S. 6-2-101. Removing or tampering with identification tags (Misdemeanor) | Up to 90 days in jail and/or $500 fine |
Important Considerations
While the laws regarding hunting dog collars may vary from state to state, there are some important considerations to keep in mind:
- Identification: Make sure your dog is properly identified with a collar and identification tags that include your name, address, and contact information.
- Registration: Check with your state’s wildlife agency to see if your hunting dog needs to be registered.
- Permits: Ensure you have the necessary permits and licenses for hunting with your dog.
- Local Ordinances: Check with your local government to see if there are any specific ordinances or regulations regarding hunting dogs in your area.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while there is no federal law that specifically prohibits the removal of a hunting dog’s collar, many states have enacted laws that make it a crime to remove or tamper with a hunting dog’s collar. It is essential to be aware of the laws in your state and to follow proper procedures for identifying and registering your hunting dog. Remember to always prioritize the welfare and safety of your hunting dog and to follow all applicable laws and regulations.
Important Note: While this article provides general information about the laws regarding hunting dog collars, it is not intended to provide legal advice. If you have specific questions or concerns about the laws in your state, it is recommended that you consult with an attorney or your state’s wildlife agency.
