Ethics question, hopefully this is the correct section

[ColbyBruce]

I just got a FT call from a friend, Mark, in NC who found two badly mauled bear hounds on his property a few minutes ago. He asked if he should put them out of their misery. Not knowing NC law, I pointed out that a random act of kindness might be illegal and if the hound's owner located them, then Mark might be sued over it. Both dogs had tracking collars, which appeared damaged. I assume by their injuries the animals would go into shock and pass. This was a Humpty Dumpty situation.

I told him to leave the scene, as the bear might be hanging around, and report the find to the SO and local game warden.

Anything he should of done differently?

 

[s&wchad]

I think you offered good advice. If I was in that situation, I'd check for ID tags and try to contact the owner. They may also be chipped.

 

[ColbyBruce]

I think you offered good advice. If I was in that situation, I'd check for ID tags and try to contact the owner. They may also be chipped.

The scene was fresh, blood on the ground and rocks was as bright red as what was flowing from the wounds. Mark had his grandson with him, I didn't think it was safe. If the collars still work, the hound owner will eventually show up.

 

[ladder13]

I'd call the wardens and LE asap.

Collars should have owners contact info, the guys I hunt with put info on them.

 

[twodog max]

I think if the dogs would let me handle them I would check the collars for ID and perhaps render some sort of aid.

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

If no threat not for me to kill some one's dogs if there is doubt.

 

[DWalt]

Ditto. Call the local law or game warden, let them decide.

 

[NFrameFred]

As much as I would be sympathetic to putting the poor animals out of their suffering I would agree with the advice given already. It would bother me not being able to help them or even offering comfort as they pass, but given the possible danger described and the possible legal repercussions from those not there at the moment, sometimes there are no "good" choices. I would concur with de-camping and notifying the game wardens,

 

[chief38]

I'd have called animal control, a game warden or the local or state police. While putting the animals out of their misery would be a kind and probably humane act, these days it can get you arrested, prosecuted and found yourself on the news.

 

[WCCPHD]

Illegally killing dogs in North Carolina is a Class H Felony, pursuant to NC General Statute 14-360 B.

Subsection "C" states in pertinent part: "...As used in this section, the word "intentionally" refers to an act committed knowingly and without justifiable excuse..."

The term "illegally" may or may not apply in this instance and is up for debate, as is "justifiable excuse."

 

[ColbyBruce]

Mark has not heard back from the game warden. A deputy he spoke to suggested the following:

1) if someone shows up inquiring about the dogs, call the SO.
2) say nothing until a deputy arrives, don't let the party on his property.
3) do not offer the party transport or assistance to the remains, nor with the removal of the animals remains.

 

[LVSteve]

Not Mark's monkeys or circus. Call LE and the wildlife narcs and let them sort it out. First off, is bear hunting legal where the dogs were found or anywhere nearby? I see a yawning chasm full of vipers opening up.

 

[ColbyBruce]

Not Mark's monkeys or circus. Call LE and the wildlife narcs and let them sort it out. First off, is bear hunting legal where the dogs were found or anywhere nearby? I see a yawning chasm full of vipers opening up.

Bear hunting is legal there but I have no idea if the season has started. Mark is still a Georgia resident until their home here sells, so I don't know if he has or needs a non-resident license to shoot coyotes and groundhogs.

 

[Vtgw938]

I have a passing understanding of such things (30+years as a warden).

Don't do harm to a houndsman's animals! But on the other hand no reason not to try to assist in locating the owner & getting him to the scene. They will be looking for them and are obvious with the usual box in the back of the truck and often dogs in or on the box. Bear & dogs don't read signs so regardless if your land is posted, allow the owner to retrieve his animals. Any issues of posted property or other issues can be dealt with later.

 

[ladder13]

Bear hunting is legal there but I have no idea if the season has started. Mark is still a Georgia resident until their home here sells, so I don't know if he has or needs a non-resident license to shoot coyotes and groundhogs.

Counties and dates

https://www.ncwildlife.org/Portals/0/Regs/Documents/Season-Dates.pdf

 

[FlyTyinFool]

Minor thread detour...

It's sad that the majority of replies speak to legal risks.
I understand, but it's just sad.

Lawyer: Why did you kill the animals?
Defendant: They were suffering and near death.
Lawyer: Oh! So, you're a licensed veterinarian?
Defendant: No
Lawyer: Then you were unqualified to make the determination of near-death. I rest my case.

Again, just sad...

 

[rockquarry]

What's an FT call?

 

[ColbyBruce]

What's an FT call?

FaceTime, I got to see the entire nasty mess. I stayed on the call with him until he got back to his Kubota and drove out into the pasture to head home, rather than drive the trail through the woods.

 

[Hair Trigger]

I just got a FT call from a friend, Mark, in NC who found two badly mauled bear hounds on his property a few minutes ago. He asked if he should put them out of their misery. Not knowing NC law, I pointed out that a random act of kindness might be illegal and if the hound's owner located them, then Mark might be sued over it. Both dogs had tracking collars, which appeared damaged. I assume by their injuries the animals would go into shock and pass. This was a Humpty Dumpty situation.

I told him to leave the scene, as the bear might be hanging around, and report the find to the SO and local game warden.

Anything he should of done differently?

Are they Plotts? They are probably chipped, or at least have a tag on their collar with contact info. Bear hunters have sizable investments in their dogs and would definitely like to get them back. If they aren't dead, they aren't yours to euthanize, regardless of their condition. It can always be argued that they could have been saved.

Bear is in season all through the NC mountains and foothills counties from Oct 16 to Nov 18 and again from Dec 11 to Jan 1st. Central and eastern NC season is a bit different and starts in the next couple of weeks, depending on the area. Dogs can be used throughout the season in eastern and western NC but not in most of the Piedmont.

Bear Seasons Map - North Carolina Hunting | eRegulations

 

[SMSgt]

Illegally killing dogs in North Carolina is a Class H Felony, pursuant to NC General Statute 14-360 B.

Subsection "C" states in pertinent part: "...As used in this section, the word "intentionally" refers to an act committed knowingly and without justifiable excuse..."

The term "illegally" may or may not apply in this instance and is up for debate, as is "justifiable excuse."

Not being a veterinarian may be all the reason a DA might need to rule out "justified." Regardless, it would be illegal in FL.