Gregoire agrees to expand cougar hunts with hound dogs

Gov. Chris Gregoire has signed a bill expanding the use of dogs in cougar hunts.

Under the measure, a pilot program allowing cougar hunts with dogs is extended another three years, on top of the four years it has been in place. The bill also allows all counties to join the program, instead of just the five currently enrolled.

Gregoire says the measure addresses safety threats that cougars pose to people and livestock.

Animal-rights activists contend using dogs is cruel and unfair, and that the big cats' population is declining.

Voters banned the practice in 1996, by passing Initiative 655.