Hound hunters use packs of dogs, sometimes 40 or more, to chase bears, bobcats, cougars, deer, or other animals until they try to climb a tree, or until the dogs catch them and tear them apart. The hunting dogs themselves are frequently injured or killed during the hunt.
Hunters usually fit the dogs' collars with GPS or radio telemetry devices so that they don't even have to keep up with the chase—they can relax while the dogs do the work.
With dogs after them, bears and cougars may not meekly scamper up a tree, but may fight back. A single swipe from a bear can wound or kill a dog.
Hunters often treat the dogs like hunting equipment rather than family members. When dogs don’t hunt well or get old, sick, injured, or pregnant, some hunters shoot them or abandon them to starve or be hit by a vehicle. The dogs can burden animal shelters if they are lucky enough to be found first.
Get the facts about hounding
Hounding violates traditional hunting ethics and adversely impacts other animals, private property rights and animal shelters.
Learn MoreNews & Events
-
April 25, 2013
Senate Passes Bill that Threatens Voting Rights and Michigan’s Wildlife
The Michigan Senate passed legislation Thursday to block voters from having a say in whether non-game animals, such as wolves and sandhill cranes and others, are designated as game species for hunting and trapping.
-
January 22, 2013
The HSUS Urges Maine Legislators to Pass Bill Protecting Bears from Inhumane and Unsporting Practices
The HSUS praised Maine praised Maine state Sen. Edward Mazurek, D-Knox County, for introducing legislation that would enact comprehensive protections for bears
-
October 8, 2012
The Humane Society of the United States Endorses Proposition 30 in California
The Humane Society of the United States announced its support for Proposition 30, The Schools and Local Public Safety Protection Act, which is critical for providing support to law enforcement to adequately combat poaching, animal cruelty and other crimes in California.
-
October 2, 2012
California State Officials Report Black Bear Population in Decline
The Humane Society of the United States is concerned to learn of a sharp drop in the estimated population of California black bears.
Our Victories
-
May 14, 2013
USDA Revokes License of Mississippi Roadside Zoo
A roadside zoo in Mississippi has lost its exhibitor license after 43 years. The U.S. Department of Agriculture revoked the license following an undercover investigation and legal complaints to state and federal officials by The Humane Society of the United States.
-
May 8, 2013
Court Upholds Calif. Law Preventing Cruel Trapping and Poisoning of Wildlife
A California court has upheld the constitutionality of Proposition 4, a 1998 state ballot measure banning use of cruel traps and poisons for the purpose of killing wildlife.
-
April 19, 2013
Arkansas Legislative Session a Success for Animals
The Arkansas State Legislature passed a number of animal protection bills that were signed into law by Gov. Mike Beebe this legislative session, receiving praise from The Humane Society of the United States.
-
April 8, 2013
Maryland General Assembly Passes Legislation Banning Shark Fin Trade
The Humane Society of the United States, Humane Society International, National Aquarium, National Wildlife Federation and Oceana applaud the Maryland General Assembly for banning the possession, sale, trade and distribution of shark fins.
