Man charged with wildlife crimes after letting dog kill fawn in Colorado
A New Mexico man who let his dog to kill a fawn in southern Colorado has been charged with several wildlife crimes, announced Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
Michael Garcia, 36, of Las Cruces, New Mexico, has been charged with illegal possession of wildlife, allowing his dog to harass wildlife, and unlawful manner of take of wildlife. A CPW wildlife officer issued Garcia a citation on July 23 with a fine of $1,372.50 and an assessment of 20 license-suspension points.
The license-suspension assessment requires Garcia to appear before a CPW suspension-hearing officer. It could result in a suspension of his hunting and fishing license for one to five years.
According to the officer’s report, Garcia was in an area near the Conejos River when his dog chased the fawn and killed it. Garcia posted photos of the dog with the dead fawn on social media. Someone saw the post, reported it to Operation Game Thief and CPW began to investigate.
“This is a disturbing case; we’ve heard from many members of the public wanting CPW to investigate,” said Rick Basagoitia, the area wildlife manager for CPW in the San Luis Valley. “Information that they’ve provided has been greatly helpful to CPW efforts.”
Garcia may elect to pay the fines or appear in court, explained Basagoitia. If he does not pay the fine, he will be required to appear in court on Sept. 16.
