(a) As used in this section:

(1) “Bear” and “pursue” have the same meanings as defined in Section 3960.

(2) “Hound” means a dog used to pursue mammals.

(b) The commission may establish a hound tag program.

(c) If a hound tag program is established, the commission may require all of the following:

(1) That each hound be issued a license tag bearing a unique identifying number that is to be worn at all times by the hound while pursuing mammals.

(2) That all relevant local and state laws pertaining to dogs are being followed while the hound is being used to pursue mammals.

(3) That each hound be microchipped with an implanted transponder that has a unique identification code.

(4) That the owner maintain documentation showing that the hound is current on all required vaccinations and treatments for the prevention of rabies and any other disease specified by the department.

(5) That the owner report, within 24 hours of its last sighting, any hound that is lost during hunting, pursuing, or tracking activities.

(6) That the hound’s tag identification number be recorded on the hunting tag of any animal taken using the services of the hound.

(d) If a hound tag program is established, the commission may adjust the amount of the fees for the hound tag as necessary, to fully recover, but not exceed, all reasonable administrative and implementation costs of the department and the commission relating to the program.

(Added by Stats. 2012, Ch. 595, Sec. 1. (SB 1221) Effective January 1, 2013.)