It's A Dog's Life for Virginia Hunting Hounds

October 27, 2008

	©The HSUS
	This abandoned hunting dog, later named Violet, was very malnourished when found.

Virginia's hunting dogs have it bad.

Each year dozens—if not hundreds—of dogs used for the purpose of hound hunting are abandoned after years of loyal service when they become too old, sick or injured to hunt.

These dogs are left in the woods to fend for themselves, which usually means they are left to starve or be struck by vehicles.

Caring landowners have pity on these emaciated animals and take them in and get them veterinary care.

Veterinarians and animal shelters often report the dogs being starved, heartworm positive, covered in parasites and sometimes having been shot.

Cruel to the Prey—and the Hounds

During the chase, packs of up to forty dogs, their collars often fitted with high-tech GPS devices, are unleashed on wildlife, sometimes tearing the animal apart.

TAKE ACTION

Ask for regulations to protect the welfare of hunting dogs. Call the VDGIF at 804-367-1000, or send them an email.

Other times the animal fights back, as is often the case with bears, who can maim or kill all of the dogs with a few swipes.

The HSUS has been working hard to bring some relief to these suffering animals.

We placed an ad [PDF] in newspapers, including the Richmond Times-Dispatch, asking readers to call the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries.

The VDGIF received thousands of calls and emails from our members alone, asking them to take the welfare of animals seriously.

	©The HSUS
	Chase badly needed food and care when a compassionate person rescued him.

The HSUS submitted comments at every stage of the process detailing the inhumane treatment of these dogs.

Representatives from The HSUS attended a VDGIF board meeting in Richmond last week, bringing images of some of the dogs our members have found abandoned by hunters.

It requires not an iota of courage to participate in these abusive practices. It shouldn't require very much more for so-called sportsmen to decree that it's wrong to do so.

We have called on the VDGIF to make substantive changes for animals and put an end to this cruelty. We need you to make this call, too.

What You Can Do

Please call the VDGIF at 804-367-1000, or email them at dgifweb@dgif.virginia.gov.

• Thank them for taking a critical look at hunting with hounds.
• Tell them that the suffering of animals must be taken seriously.
• Ask for regulations to protect the welfare of the dogs.
• Say that the humane treatment of wildlife is important, too.

Related Links

Virginia: Hounded to Death

Fact Sheet on Hound Hunting

Hounding Bears to Death