Deer and moose die after being chased by dogs in the Okanagan

A pair of incidents involving dogs chasing wild animals has resulted in the deaths of a deer and a moose.

Both incidents happened near Naramata and the first involved a dog chasing a deer, which died of its injuries.

The BC Conservation Officer Service fined the dog owner $345.

In the latest incident, which occurred on Tuesday night, a cow moose was chased by a dog and wound up tangled in an orchard fence.

Conservation officers arrived on scene and were able to cut the animal free, but it later died from its injuries.

“Dogs chasing wildlife can cause injury, stress, exhaustion and death for the animal being pursued,” said a post from the BCCOS.

“There is also the danger that deer and moose may run onto a roadway and cause a traffic accident.”

The BCCOS is now investigating the incident that led to the moose’s death and says the dog that chased it is described as a brindle-coloured boxer.

Anyone with information is asked to call the RAPP line at 1-877-952-7277.

Dog owners are encouraged to keep their dogs leashed or in enclosures to ensure the safety of both the dogs and wild animals.

Under the Wildlife Act, it’s illegal to cause or allow dogs to chase wildlife.