Hounding needs to end. It is not a Vermont tradition. It is not a Native American tradition. It is not hunting. No one is trying to feed themselves or survive by intentionally releasing packs of dogs into the woods to chase and attack wild animals. Hounding is a recreational activity and “spectator sport.” It is a legalized form of dog fighting and animal fighting, no different than watching roosters fight to the death or pit bulls tear each other apart. Bear cubs, raccoon kits and families, coyotes and foxes should not be chased and mauled by hounds. No animal should be shot from a tree only to fall to the ground to be savagely ripped apart by hounds due to someone’s perverse idea of pleasure.

Why do property owners, those who care about wildlife, and victims of hound attacks have to suffer and continually pay the price for this iniquitous, amoral activity motivated by the “thrill of the chase.” Yet another pet dog has been attacked this year adjacent to private property while taking a walk with her owner. Multiple people and their dogs, as well as companion and farmed animals, have been chased and attacked by uncontrolled hounds, and nothing is done.

When will legislators put the rights of landowners and homeowners, the safety of Vermont residents — and their animals — as priorities, instead of kowtowing to a small subset of hounders?

Year after year, Vermont residents get into conflicts with hounders. Ugly conflict. Psychologically damaging and painful conflict. Yet, the legislature and VT Fish and Wildlife continue to cater to and appease hounders. And what about the mistreatment and neglect to the hounds, themselves, and awful, often violent, methods to “train” them?

Since when is animal fighting and dog fighting a Vermont tradition? Dog owners are expected to control their dogs and pet dogs can be shot for accidentally chasing deer. However, hounders get a free pass. Their hounds regularly chase and attack non-target animals. Because these are “hunting hounds,” the VT Fish and Wildlife Department consider it acceptable. Collateral damage, perhaps? The hounding lingo for non-target animals chased and attacked by hounds, including deer and fawns, is “trash.” I think the word speaks for itself.

How long will this double standard continue to be tolerated? It is an insult to responsible dog owners. Legislators catering to hounders is an insult to property owners and to the victims who have been tormented by hounders and chased by hounds.

There are no repercussions for hounders when they harass homeowners or scare and awaken residents in the middle of the night while running across yards and onto private property in pursuit of hounds. Vermont children have witnessed wild animals in their own yards chased and viciously torn apart by hounds.

People have moved out of Vermont due to hounder harassment. Multiple people and domestic animals have been chased and attacked by hounds. When is enough is enough? How many attacks are justified to allow this to continue? How many property owners have to be awakened in the middle of the night by hounders and how many reported violations of trespassing are needed before something is done about this inane, what very few consider, “sport.”

As an animal behaviorist, I am floored that this is allowed and not illegal. It is not right that the only justice for victims of hounders is moving out of state or to another neighborhood or private litigation. The complete lack of control of hounds is a public safety issue. Hounds are not sporting dogs or bird dogs who stay close to handlers. Shock collars are not “control” mechanisms. Whether a hound is scent or sight-oriented is irrelevant to predatory aggression. Tracking is not the same as hounding. And even Bloodhounds and German Shepherds who search for lost children and serial killers remain, at all times, with their handlers.

The hounding of bears, coyotes, raccoons, foxes, and bobcats, which all use the same breeds of hounds, same operating procedures, and cause the same conflicts and injuries, needs to be banned outright in 2025.

If you’ve had bad experiences with hounders trespassing on your property; witnessed hounds chasing, scaring, and/or attacking companion or farmed animals; have found hapless hounds lost on your property or aimlessly meandering the roadside; or were inhibited from walking in the woods or on trails due the behavior of hounders; please reach out and contact your legislators. The Fish and Wildlife Department will simply bury the information and look the other way.

Alana Stevenson

Charlotte