Dogs are man's best friend. An animal we learned top domesticate for hunting thousands of years ago now sits at our lap and waits endlessly for pats and love.

Two puppies smile in a field
Credit: Canva
loading...

There are some canine that stick to their ancestral ways, now as hunting dogs for passionate hunters across the United States, but Arizona's looking to take that away.

Why Get Rid of Hunting Dogs?

Very recently, The Center for Biological Diversity filed a petition in the state of Arizona to question the ethical use of hunting dogs, and bring light to the negative impact they've had on endangered species in the grand Canyon State.

A hound dog jumps through the woods
Credit: Canva
loading...

The main gripe the petition brings to light is the freedom these dogs have while on the hunt. They claim these dogs may stray from their assigned prey, and attack/disturb endangered species that require a safe habitat. But will banning hunting hounds really change anything?

KWCD Country logo
Get our free mobile app

Read More:

Tucson's Biggest Small Attraction

The Pushback

Last December, the Arizona game and Fish Commission met to discuss this petition. They weren't alone. Over 60 hunters from across the state joined the meeting to voice their concerns about the petition.

A man points a rifle to the sky
Credit: Canva
loading...

They believe that their dogs help conservation, just not in the way the CBD sees it. The hunters say their dogs are "critical" to their success, and see this petition as just one step closer to the outright banning of hunting in the state. That's likely not something that will happen, at least for some time, but it is a valid concern.

A hunter with two dogs
Credit: Canva
loading...

What do you believe? Are dogs necessary for hunting, or are they more harmful to the natural ecosystem?

[AZ Central][Center for Biological Diversity]

Best Campgrounds in Arizona

Arizona's natural beauty drives thousands a year to come experience the deserts and forests of the Grand Canyon State. For those weary travelers, or those who just want a fun weekend, here's the best places to get away into nature.

Gallery Credit: Chris

Visiting Arizona? Don't Miss Reddit's Top 20 Must-See Attractions

When Arizona visitors are planning a trip to the Grand Canyon state, a lot of folks stop by the Reddit thread r/Arizona looking for advice on the best places to visit. 

The question is posed so often, that the SubReddit r/Arizona's put together a list of the top 41 things to do in the state, and took a poll on our favroites.

Gallery Credit: Val Davidson/TSM

More From KWCD Country