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SB 5892

Concerning diseased elk.

2023-2024 Regular Session Introduced by Phil Fortunato and 3 co-sponsors

Three-year pilot lets private landowners, hunters, and tribes humane euthanasia of elk with treponeme hoof disease to curb spread, with testing, reporting, and limited meat rights.

Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Water, Natural Resources & Parks at 1:30 PM.
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Bill Summary · SB 5892

Summary: SB 5892 — Concerning diseased elk

Overview

SB 5892 proposes a three-year pilot program to address treponeme-associated hoof disease in elk. The bill finds that multiple Washington counties have elk populations affected by this disease, which can cause severe hoof deformities and increased mortality. It authorizes private individuals to help manage diseased elk under defined conditions, with a mandatory reporting and testing framework, and anticipates rulemaking by the Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW). The act would sunset on June 30, 2028, with a required legislative report by December 1, 2027.

Key provisions

  • Findings and purpose (Sec. 1):

    • 17 counties confirmed with elk affected by treponeme hoof disease.
    • No vaccine or proven treatments; disease harms hooves, mobility, and nutrition, increasing mortality risk and potential spread to domestic livestock.
    • Private participation is authorized to help prevent spread, given DFW cannot always manage elk directly.
    • Establishes a three-year pilot and a report to legislature by December 1, 2027.

  • Pilot program and authorization (Sec. 2):

    • DFW must implement a three-year pilot to assess effectiveness of authorizing private individuals to address elk hoof disease; report due by December 1, 2027.
    • Authorized individuals may humane euthanize elk displaying a severe limp in areas with hoof disease, regardless of hunting season dates or required tags.
    • Reasonable measures must preserve meat; the meat may be retained by the authorizing individual (subject to limitations).
    • Notification within 24 hours to DFW (except tribal members), with submission of carcass in situ photos, plus pictures of diseased hooves; hooves must be submitted for testing at Washington State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine.
    • Authorized individuals include: landowners, holders of valid hunting licenses, and tribal identification cardholders.
    • A presumption of good-faith action for euthanizing related to disease, even if diagnosis is not confirmed.
    • If an elk is taken within a tribe’s usual and accustomed hunting areas, the tribe must be offered the meat first; if declined, it may be provided to a local food bank.

  • Rulemaking (Sec. 3):

    • DFW must immediately adopt or amend rules as necessary to implement the act and ensure consistency with it.

  • Expiration (Sec. 4):

    • The act expires June 30, 2028.

Who is affected

  • Private individuals in counties with elk hoof disease (landowners, licensed hunters, tribal members) may participate in humane euthanasia and heirloom meat handling under the pilot.
  • Washington State University’s veterinary testing program will receive hoof samples for disease testing.
  • Tribes with usual and accustomed hunting areas are involved in first-offer meat provisions.
  • The Department of Fish and Wildlife will implement and enforce program rules and process notifications and reporting.

Timeline and procedural notes

  • Introduced: December 21, 2023
  • First reading: January 8, 2024
  • Public hearing: January 15, 2024 (Senate Agriculture, Water, Natural Resources & Parks)
  • Pilot duration: three years
  • Reporting: to legislature by December 1, 2027
  • Expiration: June 30, 2028

Potential implications

  • Pros: harnesses private participation to manage a wildlife disease while providing a potential food source; aims to reduce disease transmission; formal testing and documentation support.
  • Cons/considerations: risk of misdiagnosis, enforcement challenges, animal welfare concerns, and ensuring transparency and accountability in private euthanasia and meat handling.

Next steps

  • If enacted, DFW would implement the pilot, establish rules, and begin authorized activities; stakeholders (ranchers, hunters, tribes, local food banks) may prepare for participation and reporting requirements.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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