Judge won't throw out Wisconsin wolf hunt lawsuit

MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- A judge has refused to throw out a lawsuit challenging the use of dogs in this winter's wolf hunt.

Legislation creating the hunt allows hunters to use dogs. A group of humane societies filed a lawsuit last month alleging Department of Natural Resources rules enacting the hunt don't include any restrictions on dog training or use, setting up deadly dog-wolf fights in the woods.

The DNR asked Anderson to dismiss the lawsuit, arguing dog use doesn't harm the humane societies and the hunt legislation authorizes their use.

Dane County Judge Peter C. Anderson ruled Friday the societies have shown they may have to expend extra resources to take care of injured dogs and wolves. He says he believes the Legislature meant for the DNR to at least consider dog restrictions.