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Contact: Deborah Turcotte, Spokesperson
Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife
284 State Street
41 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333

Telephone: work (207) 287-6008 cell (207) 592-1164

Fax: (207) 287-6395

March 29, 2008

Dog Owners Reminded to Keep Pet on Leash And Away from Deer

Augusta – Maine’s deer herd is facing many threats as a result of this year’s harsh winter.  One of them is man’s best friend.

Members of the Maine Warden Service are reporting a number of dog-versus-deer situations in which household pets are threatening and injuring or killing deer.

“Deer throughout the state are starving and are seeking food near roadways and in neighborhoods,” according to Acting Colonel Gregory Sanborn of the Maine Warden Service. “Because they are so hungry, in many instances they are too weak to run or put up a fight. This is happening when they come into contact with dogs and the deer are getting hurt.”

Sanborn said dog owners are reminded that it is against the law to have a dog off of a leash and not supervised. Dog owners face a minimum $500 fine if found in violation of leash laws.

“For the safety of your pets and the protection of the state’s deer herd, keep your dog on a leash and away from deer,” Acting Colonel Sanborn said. “The danger is too great for both the dog and the deer. We will be writing summonses to people whose dogs are in violation of leash laws.”