MADISON, WI (AP)-- The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources says dogs won't be allowed in the upcoming wolf hunt until at least Dec. 20.
That's when a Dane County judge holds a hearing on the DNR's request to lift the injunction on the training and use of dogs to pursue wolves.
As a result, the agency is notifying wolf hunters that the season will proceed, but the use of dogs to pursue wolves will not be allowed to start on Nov. 26. That's the date previously authorized by state law.
A coalition of humane societies has filed a lawsuit alleging the DNR's current wolf hunt rules don't include any meaningful restrictions on dogs. The group contends the lack of regulations have set the stage for dog-wolf fights that violate Wisconsin's animal cruelty laws.
