While doing research, I came across this article written about our change.org petition. I was pleasantly surprised that so many hunters voiced their negative opinions under the comment section about hog hunting with dogs based on real life experiences.
Snowflakes: Outlaw Hunting Hogs with Dogs
From: All Outdoor
Author: Kevin Felts
The modern domesticated dog may seem sweet and cuddly. However, behind that innocent look is the genetic code for a wolf.
At least 30,000 years ago, our ancestors used domesticated wolves to hunt mammoths. The human-dog relationship was founded on a partnership that benefited both parties. Dogs helped mankind hunt and they provided security; humans provided dogs with shelter and a steady food supply.
Somehow, people forgot dogs have an instinct to hunt. They chase mail trucks, rabbits, or squirrels. While we think it is cute, chasing is their instinct. Dogs are natural hunters and nothing will ever change that.
Pigs And Dogs
A buddy of mine shared a link on Facebook to a petition at moveon.org. He hunts wild pigs with dogs and had some stern words about the petition. When I saw the petition, I shook my head in disgust.
Outlaw hog vs. dog hunting/fighting in the wild
Goal: To outlaw the cruel and inhumane practice of using dogs to hunt wild boar in Florida, as well as in all 31 other states that it’s currently legal.
Snowflakes are not the only ones that want dog use stopped for hunting hogs. I am tired of seeing the dogs torn up and disemboweled by the hogs. And, the hogs are torn up as well. This is just stupid. Then, many of these guys do not even harvest the hog for meat. They mark the ears and release the hog. It is a blood sport, pure and simple.
Would love it if you could post any real life stories you’ve witnessed. Thank you for commenting!
I’m an Avid Hunter, Conservative, live on a Ranch with a minor Boar problem love guns and am far from a “SnowFlake” I assure you! Wild Boar not wild Pigs, lets not try to minimize the Animal being Hunted are some of the most vicious animals on earth. If one on one with a Dog of any sorts the Dog is endangered and is risking his life. I find it rather Ignorant that you think you have the ability to “not let the Dog get hurt.” While dogs are instinctively Hunters, they Hunt, Hunted Small Game, (Rabbits, Squirrel, Coon, Etc..) There is no Dog that is born with instinctive Habits to Hunt Wild Boar. To be fair I do know Hunters aren’t sacrificing Dogs to hunt Boar however they are knowingly putting them in harms way which is entirely unnecessary. I have Hunted Hog most of my life and never once had to use a Dog, there are many methods that work to get rid of or Hunt Hogs that don’t have anything to do with Dogs.
Well said. Thank you for commenting.
Well stated and spot on.
You said it! These dogs are domesticated, they are not wolves! I know these dogs are trained to hunt and it is in their instinct but they have no choice. Before the domestication of dogs they hunted to survive. Why are you doing it? To survive? I think not. Also, I am not saying all hunters mistreat their dogs, but the few that do will ruin it for everyone.
Dogs hunting is not cruel. I have taken dogs bird hunting many times. But pig hunters far too often to treat their hunting dogs cruelly. They Feed them small amounts so they stay aggressive. Keep them outside and small enclosed areas or cages. They think of them as a tool so they treat them like it. You mentioned that some of them have protective vest and collars. But that’s not required so many of them don’t. Also I was taught to kill humanely and hunting wild pigs withdogs is not humane. I definitely worry that someday they’ll take my right away to go hunting with my dog. But I would be all right with the bill that stops the inhuman humane treatment of pig hunting dogs and pigs
You are so right! Animal abuse is animal abuse. Boar hunting with dogs is nothing more then a cruel blood sport!
Bull…I live in Louisiana and dogs here are treated as tools by every hunter I have ever met. Chain them up in the yard or lock them in a kennel when not in use…feed them whatever crap Purina you can buy at Wal-mart or the dollar store…drag them around with choke collars so they learn to behave. Are there hunters who aren’t complete scumbags? Sure, but they’re in the very small minority.
In reality this isn’t about dogs hunting hogs but rather people using dogs to hunt them. Sorry, but this kind of entertainment simply doesn’t pass the humane sniff test
“The modern domesticated dog may seem sweet and cuddly. However, behind that innocent look is the genetic code for a wolf.” So that makes your genetic code that of an ape…does that mean we should put you back in the jungle?
If you are going to make an argument for something, at least use one that can’t be shot down in 30 seconds.
Hmmm so packing in dogs in small kennels, or chaining them up in all seasons is treating them good? I’m all for hunting, and know pigs are a nuisance. But I’m not for causing unnecessary pain and suffering to an animal just so you guys can feel macho and getting your rocks off! Wanna hunt like in the old days? Take a spear or a knife and go hunt the pigs!!!
And by the way, I’m not a lefty, a snowflake, or an anti 2nd amm. Puke! I love firearms, an a registered southern Republican and a retired Navy veteran who owns 3 pits!
We are hog hunters in Florida and I want to actually do something about this. Starting a petition to Support Feral Hug Control would be the way to start. I think it needs to start from a well known person or organization. I am willing to help but want someone tied to it that will get more media attention.
We will be getting media attention. Would love it if you join our efforts!
Hogs have a place in our environments too. It is mean and CRUEL to kill wild animals. They all play a vitally important role in our eco system and our environments, and they all want to live and have a right to live too, just like us humans do.
The smart protestors of this issue, I being one of them, understand the wild boar explosion and also understand it has become pandemic (not just the US-and this makes me think it was some sort of attack) and there needs to be some cleaning up in our backyards.
I have NO problems with hunting them to protect everything else these boars are destroying. The issue is how some of these guys/gals are doing it!!!
In my comment, when I signed the petition was that I watched an episode on TV, I can’t remember, but I think it was Billy the Exterminator; these guys showed some pens they were making, no dogs, and then they were taking them off to butcher. The butcher/processing plant was run by a man who hired high school students to turn these boar into meat and even sent most (if not all?) of the meat to the local food pantries to feed people who are on the street or low income. Men did this, not animals.
And I am not against all dog hunting, for crying out loud. And people mentioning the pythons, yes these are a problem, also. And don’t forget the snakehead and Asian carp that are affecting our waterways.
Things must be dealt with, but we are protesting, at least I am, in the manner you do the exterminating. People who have guns, go out, team up, find ways to pen the boars in and properly kill them (preferably one shot kill), and then take use the hides, the meat and so on, so the boars don’t die painfully or in vain. It’s not their fault, someone did this to our land.
But it’s just like cock fights, pit bull fights (most pit bull owners), and the list goes on with horses, birds…this is what totally infuriates people.
People, animals and fauna, need to be appreciated, treated properly, nurtured. Treat a hard working person with dignity, up his morale, you get more work out of him. But dogs, come back to a person even if he kicks them in the ribs. They do run on instinct and not always smarts…hmm, just like some owners!!!
Tools are usually made out of wood, metal, rock…see the difference?
Well said! Thank you for commenting!
It is not about people being snowflakes , it is about cruelty to a dog forced into hunting a wild hog and a dog losing their life so the sick humans gets a cheap thrill . No dog have a voice to say no so guess what I will be their voice. If that makes me a snowflake then so be it but at lease I have a soul