The following is a statement from Klickitat County Sheriff Bob Songer.
The introduction of wolves into Klickitat County is a bad idea in my opinion. Wolves will be killing livestock, domestic pets, and will present a public safety threat to our citizens.
It is my understanding that wolves are already being introduced into Klickitat County and are to be Federally protected under the Endangered Species Act Section 7 and Washington State Law; this means wolves cannot be killed when they are attacking or killing livestock, domestic pets or presenting a public safety threat. You can be arrested if you kill a wolf that is attacking or killing your livestock, domestic pets, or presenting a threat to the public.
I believe arresting someone for killing a wolf when it is attacking or killing livestock, domestic pets, which is considered personal property of the individual, is a violation of the individual’s Constitutional rights.
The United States Constitution, under the Fifth Amendment, states an individual will not be deprived of life, liberty or property, without due process of law.
The Washington State Constitution also states under section 3 PERSONAL RIGHTS. No person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law.
As a Constitutional Sheriff of Klickitat County, it is my duty to protect our citizens Constitutional Rights and God Given Liberties. I believe the Federal and Washington State Governments, threatening to arrest a citizen for killing a wolf that is attacking or killing livestock and domestic pets, which is the personal property of our citizens, is illegal and unconstitutional.
As Sheriff, I will not enforce laws that appear to be unconstitutional and violate the rights of our citizens.
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