The Fate Awaiting Ever Hound

"Anyone who wants to meet those involved with hunting ... and see our lovely hounds will be most welcome." J Sellers, the Cheshire Hunt Supporters Group in November 2004. Below the last seconds of a one of those 'lovely hounds' belonging to the Cheshire Hunt before it is callously shot in the head.

In evidence to the Burn's Inquiry the Countryside Alliance admitted 3,000 hounds are killed each year, the true figure is probably a lot higher. Hounds are simply an accessory to hunters and are shot without a moments thought when the hunt no longer has a use for them. A hound can live to be fourteen quite easily, few hounds belonging to hunts live much beyond five or six years of age. Some hounds as young as one of also shot by hunts for not showing enough bloodlust.

The above picture is of a foxhound shot and dumped in a bin. Some shot hounds are actually fed to the remaining hounds to 'give the hound one last run. In the stomach of his chums.

"Usually after a days hunting there could be five or six lame hounds that we have to treat." Tom Normington, Huntsman

"I've seen hounds with their intestines hanging out, their eyes hanging down, and hounds with broken toes, broken legs, exposed testicles, and with ribs that have stuck through their flesh." Former hunter Clifford Pellow

In December 2005 Kennel Huntsman Philip Simmonds was found guilty of animal cruelty. During his trial the court heard Simmons stitched a sixinch gaping wound on a beagle's leg without giving the dog a local anaesthetic - an operation that should only be performed by a vet in an emergency.

The court also heard that he caused another beagle unnecessary suffering by delaying having it put down when it was terminally ill with kidney failure and heart problems. Simmonds was also found guilty of causing suffering to a mink hound by failing to have it treated for chronic ear problems.

The hounds are not the only dogs to suffer as a result of hunting. Terriers which are used to locate and fight foxes underground can sustain horrendous injuries. And as the following quote shows from a Terrier Man forum, these dogs meet the same callous ending as hounds: "Had a fell terrier, was a nutter... i took a walk to the woods. only i returned.........sad but the only way i could resolve the issue."

And they call this 'sport'...