The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) heard the voices of reason and humanity at the last public meeting on June 23rd. They are moving forward with a draft rule prohibiting the cruel operation of fox and coyote penning for hunting with dogs.
Foxes and coyotes are usually transported across state lines after they are caught in cruel traps. They are released into an unknown territory, exhausted, confused, and with injuries or disease. There is no escape from these pens and theses creatures are chased incessantly by a pack of hunting dogs until caught and torn to pieces.
FWC staff was directed by the Commission to bring a final rule back for consideration to their September meeting in Weston, Florida (near Fort Lauderdale). In addition, FWC staff has ". . . agreed to explore further options for dog-hunting of foxes and coyotes on open public lands around the state."
While this would appear to be the end in Florida of hunting fox and coyote in these enclosed pens the final rule is not in place. There will be opposition until the end.
Mack McLeod, president of the state Houndsman Association, stated ". . . his group will continue to fight the ban."
Until the Commission issues their final vote you can expect those who want to continue this cruelty to try and rally their supporters to change the commissioners minds. Don't let that happen.
