§ 2943 — Field dog trials

(a) Authorization.--Permits to hold dog trials on specified wild birds and animals may be issued by the director. A separate permit to hold a field trial shall not be required for any group holding a permit for a dog training area under section 2941(a) (relating to dog training areas). Participants in these trials shall not be required to have a hunting license.

(b) Trials for small game.--It is lawful to hold field trials or meets where dogs are permitted to work on liberated or native small game:

(1) During the period of the year when dog training is permitted by this title.

(2) At any time of the year on a licensed special dog training area or regulated hunting grounds if the trial or meet is sponsored by the holder of the special dog training area permit or the holder of the regulated hunting grounds permit.

(3) During the period of the year when dog training is prohibited by this title if a proper field trial permit is obtained.

(c) Trials for raccoons.--It is lawful to hold trials or meets where dogs may work on drags or live raccoons at any hour, if permission is obtained to use privately owned land when the meet or trial is to be held on Sunday:

(1) During the period of the year when dog training is permitted by this title.

(2) During the period of the year when dog training is prohibited by this title if a raccoon dog field trial permit is obtained.

(d) Unlawful acts.--It is unlawful to:

(1) Aid, abet, assist or participate in any trial or meet for dogs without a permit as required in this section.

(2) Aid, abet, assist or participate in any field trial in violation of any other provisions of this section.

(3) Release any live raccoons for any purpose under subsection (c).

(e) Penalty.--A violation of this section is a summary offense of the fifth degree.