An act relating to establishing requirements for hunting with dogs

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Michelle Bos-Lun and 6 co-sponsors

The bill sets state standards and rules for hunting with dogs to protect animal welfare, wildlife management, and public safety.

Read first time and referred to the Committee on Environment

Summary of Bill H 166 (2025-2026) — Vermont

Purpose and intent

Establishes state requirements and standards related to hunting with dogs.

Aims to regulate practices in order to address animal welfare concerns, wildlife management considerations, and public safety related to the use of hounds or other dogs in hunting.

Key provisions and changes

The bill creates specific rules governing hunting with dogs. While the exact text is not provided here, typical elements in such legislation often include:

Standards for the use of dogs during hunting seasons (e.g., permissible breeds, number of dogs, training requirements).
Prohibitions or restrictions on specific practices identified as harmful to animals or non-target wildlife.
Requirements for humane treatment of dogs engaged in hunting, including care, housing, and transportation provisions.
Provisions addressing welfare of wildlife encountered during hunting with dogs (e.g., non-lethal handling, guidelines to reduce suffering).
Provisions for enforcement, including penalties, fines, or civil penalties for violations.
Clear definitions of terms such as “hunting with dogs,” “dog,” “handler,” and related concepts to avoid ambiguity.

The bill may include exemptions or allowances for certain activities (e.g., research, sanctioned training, or specific wildlife management programs) and may delineate how enforcement is carried out (e.g., who enforces, inspection rights, and reporting requirements).

Who/what would be affected

Hunters who use dogs in pursuit of game.

Dog handlers, trainers, and hunting guides.

Wildlife management agencies and law enforcement responsible for enforcing hunting regulations.

Domestic dogs used for hunting, including welfare and care obligations.

Potentially affected stakeholders include hunting organizations, animal welfare groups, farmers, and other members of the public who engage with or observe hunting activities.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Action history indicates the bill was introduced and read a first time on February 7, 2025, and referred to the Committee on Environment.

The committee will review, possibly amend, and may hold hearings before moving the bill to the floor for debate and a vote.

As a 2025-2026 session bill, passage would require approval by both chambers of the Vermont General Assembly and, if enacted, signature by the governor or successful override of a veto (as applicable).

Additional notes

Co-sponsors include Emilie Krasnow, Dara Torre, Troy Headrick, Kate Logan, Jim Masland, Leslie Goldman, and Michelle Bos-Lun, indicating bipartisan or cross-party interest in the issue.

Specifics such as exact prohibitions, penalties, funding, and effective dates are not provided in the available information; the committee process will clarify these details.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary further once the bill’s text or committee amendments are available, or provide a comparison with existing Vermont hunting or animal welfare laws for context.