BAILEYTON, Ala. – Cullman County Commission Chairman Kenneth Walker was cited* Saturday for failing to report the deaths of two deer in his licensed game breeding operation near Baileyton and of failing to submit the remains for testing.
According to the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) enforcement division, deer breeders are required to report the deaths of animals in their stocks within 24 hours and submit the remains for testing due to the appearance in the Southeast of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), a fatal central nervous system disorder affecting deer and elk. Alabama currently has no known cases of CWD, but ADCNR is keeping a close eye on movement of the disease.
Under Alabama Administrative Code 220-2-138, Section 5, “All persons, firms or corporations licensed under Section 9-11-30 to engage in the business of raising game birds, game animals, or fur bearing animals shall: . . . Within 24 hours of discovery, notify designated Division personnel of any deaths via the database or phone and allow disease testing of animals, 12 months of age or older, that have died.”
According to ADCNR, Walker had previously received warnings before being cited. He has been assigned to appear before Judge Kim Chaney in Cullman County District Court Nov. 12.
On the Alabama Supreme Court extended fine schedule, “Unlawful activity by licensed gamebreeder,” the section heading under which the failure to report falls, the citation carries a fine of $250 per offense.
*Documentation in Alacourt refers to the incident as an arrest, although ADCNR arrests follow the traditional citation protocols rather than criminal arrests.
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