Man Arrested for Unleashed Dogs in Protected Wildlife Area

Richard James Belcher faces multiple charges for hunting violations in Dupuis Wildlife and Environmental Area

Mar. 11, 2026 at 9:57am

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A 21-year-old Greenacres man, Richard James Belcher, was arrested and charged with several misdemeanors after Florida Fish and Wildlife officers found him using unleashed dogs to hunt hogs in a protected management area. Belcher allegedly admitted to the officers that he was aware hunting and the use of dogs were prohibited in the Dupuis Wildlife and Environmental Area.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the importance of respecting protected wildlife areas and following hunting regulations to preserve the delicate ecosystems. Allowing unleashed dogs in these sensitive environments can disrupt native wildlife and lead to further damage, prompting stricter enforcement by authorities.

The details

When officers responded to reports of two men using dogs to hunt hogs in the Dupuis Wildlife and Environmental Area, they found Belcher with three dogs that were equipped with GPS tracking and corrective collars but were not on leashes. Belcher admitted he and his companion did not have leashes for the animals and that he was aware hunting and the use of dogs were prohibited in the area. One of the dogs also lacked the required collar or tag displaying the owner's information, adding to the charges against Belcher, who has a prior history of similar conservation violations in the Dupuis WEA.

  • On Monday night, Florida Fish and Wildlife officers responded to reports of men using dogs to hunt hogs in the Dupuis Wildlife and Environmental Area.
  • Belcher is set for an April court date to face the charges.

The players

Richard James Belcher

A 21-year-old Greenacres man who was arrested and charged with several misdemeanors for using unleashed dogs to hunt hogs in a protected wildlife area.

Officer Amanda Simmons

A Florida Fish and Wildlife officer who responded to the reports and found Belcher with the unleashed dogs in the Dupuis Wildlife and Environmental Area.

Dupuis Wildlife and Environmental Area

A protected management area where hunting and the use of dogs are prohibited.

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What they’re saying

“Belcher allegedly admitted to the officer that he and his companion did not have leashes for the animals. He further acknowledged that he was well aware there was no open season for hunting and that dogs are strictly prohibited for taking hogs in that specific area.”

— Richard James Belcher

What’s next

Belcher is set for an April court date to face the charges, which include violation of South Florida Water Management regulations, hunting during a closed season, and failing to properly tag a hunting dog.

The takeaway

This case underscores the importance of respecting the rules and regulations in place to protect sensitive wildlife habitats. Allowing unleashed dogs in these areas can have serious consequences for the local ecosystem, and authorities are vigilant in enforcing the laws to preserve the delicate balance of these protected environments.