Todd Dunn is fed up with the Scioto County Dog Warden. Dunn spoke out at Thursday’s Scioto County Commissioners Meeting about a frustrating ongoing issue with dogs attacking deer.
Dunn, who is with True Lure No Kill Deer Hunts, an organization that gives disabled veterans and children the chance to join in an annual deer hunt, says he’s at the end of his rope.
The argument stems from whether the deer used in these events are considered livestock. Dunn says they are, and thus, he’d be entitled to protect them the same way a farmer can protect cows or chickens.
He says the Dog Warden’s Office has threatened to put him in jail should he shoot a dog protecting the deer. He says that after a dog killed a deer, the animal was returned to its owner and killed another deer.
He says the owner of that dog has multiple dogs that have attacked and killed deer, but the Dog Warden refused to take any action on the matter.
He said he was also warned not to put out snares to catch coyotes as they might catch a dog. “In one year, they’ve destroyed $100,000 worth of deer. We had only one buck left.” He says the dog that had previously killed deer came back onto the property and attacked the buck, breaking its horns.
“She says I do not have the right to protect my animals. I have papers from the state of Ohio that says they are. But she refuses to accept that they are livestock. I have no deer left, thanks to her.”
He said he had pictures of the dogs killing deer. He claimed the dog warden turned him into the state for tranquilizing the deer. “Everybody that has groups of deer has to tranquilize them to trim the horns. The state came in, took a look, and approved it,” Dunn said. “They said you’re not doing anything wrong.”
Dunn said his group is in the process of putting in a 2.5-mile wheelchair-accessible trail and that they don’t have money to purchase more deer. “She says they’re just deer. They smart off about them. They are livestock, and they are very expensive.”
Dunn said he was presenting his paperwork from the State of Ohio to the Commissioners because the Dog Warden’s Office said they lost the last batch of paperwork he submitted. “I’m not lying about it. I do everything by the book.”
Scioto County Commissioner Cathy Coleman said Commissioners would look over the documents and then call a meeting with the Dog Warden to address the issues.
SCDN reached out to Mr. Dunn for some follow-up questions. We asked, How can citizens help with your battle with the Dog Warden? His reply was, “Get rid of her.” Dunn also made reference to her “rap sheet.” We looked into those claims and did find that the Humane Officer in question has had previous contact with law enforcement. However, her last arrest was nearly 20 years ago.
We asked about the rules that deem his deer as livestock. Mr. Dunn submitted these papers in response.
Finally, we asked how he intends to replace his deer population. He stated that he is currently reaching out to deer farmers and asking for donations. He also appealed to the public to contact him. “Any donations would be appreciated to buy deer if anyone is out there that would be interested in helping.”
See a video from our beloved reporter, Tina Jenkins out with the deer right here.
You can find out more information about True Lure here.