B.C. hunter kills Yukon family dog by accident

A devastated Yukon family is calling for a roadside hunting ban after their pet dog was accidentally killed by a hunterwho mistook it for a wolf

Eric Peterson was drinking coffee on the porch of hisAtlinRoad cabin last May when a shot rang out. Moments later, his six-year-old shepherd cross,Tikka, fell dead in the meadow.

Peterson pursued the shooter down the highway where an angry confrontation ensued.

The man he confronted, Daniel Bridge, saidhe mistook the black dog for a wolf.

"Mr. Bridge saw a wolf, and he shot one, but it turned out to be a dog," Peterson said. "All of us know we sometime take actions and go, 'oops' but this was a pretty heavy duty 'oops'and I think it's time for preventative action."

Bridge has since left the territory and appeared by telephone in court this week facing wildlife charges for hunting out of season.

Heapologizedto the Peterson family, and agreed to a $1750fine, payable to the MaeBachurmedical fund for injured animals.

Bridge is barred from hunting twoyears and must take hunter education training before he can be re-licensed.