Dear animal people,
A story appeared on the first page of the Pasco section of the St. Petersburg Times, on 11/18/02, written by Chase Squires. A modified fox hunt will be sponsored by South Creek Fox Hounds, in Dade City, on 11/30/02.
Various events will be held from Nov. 24th, but the unwashed public is invited (to pay $25) to take part in the torment and baiting of coyotes, foxes, and, according to their web site, an
occasional bobcat. They will ride horses, wear red jackets and copy other ridiculous English traditions with "Huntsmen" and "Whippers-In" and horns. They will set packs of dogs to chase and harass the coyotes.
Even though the "hunters" do not plan to shoot the coyotes and foxes, the dogs often tear them to shreds, and those who survive the mauling often die from shock or blood loss or exhaustion later.
We do not know whether the 'foxes' will be brought to the ranch in cages from out of state or out of the county (illegal) or will be wild, free local critters. These brutes probably would not take a chance on there being no coyotes or foxes in the vicinity. I think they will have the prey waiting in cages for the "hunt."
Let's call, email, write letters to the sponsors, to the Times Editor and Pasco Government officials to protest this bloodthirsty diversion.
Cut, paste, and email this notice to anyone you think will want to help.
There may be ways to protect the hunted animals. Call me at the FVA office if you would like to discuss these possibilities.
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from "Animal Underworld" by Alan Green
Coyotes can carry tularemia, rabbit fever and echinococcus multilocaris which can affect humans and mimics cancer and cirrhosis. It can kill and requires delicate surgery .
(see pages 69 -71 of Animal Underworld by Alan Green
"In South Texas, a variant of coyote-borne rabies has plagued the population for more than a decade. The disease, which has killed both dogs and humans, spread to Alabama and Florida when coyotes that were later found to be rabid were shipped to foxpens - fenced in enclosures where raccoons, fox, and other furbearing varmints try to outrun dogs sicced on them by hunters.."
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Violations of FL State Statutes: 828.12 Cruelty to animals
(1) A person who unnecessarily overloads, overdrives, torments, deprives of necessary sustenance or shelter, or unnecessarily mutilates, or kills any animals, or causes the same to be done, or carries in or upon any vehicle, or otherwise, any animal in a cruel or inhumane manner, is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or by a fine of not more than $5,000 , or both.
(2) A person who intentionally commits an act to any animal which results in the cruel death, or excessive or repeated infliction of unnecessary pain or suffering, or causes the same to be done, is guilty of a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s.775.082 or by a fine of not more than $10,000 or both.
828.122 Fighting or baiting animals; offenses; penalties
(1)
(a) "Baiting" means to attack with violence, to provoke, or to harass an animal with one or more animals for the purpose of training an animal for, or to cause an animal to engage in, fights with or among other animals. In addition, "baiting" means the use of live animals in the training of greyhounds.
(b) (b) "person" means every natural person, firm, copartnership, association, or corporation.
Exemptions;
(c) Any person using animals to pursue or take wildlife or to participate in any hunting regulated or subject to being regulated by the rules and regulations of the Game and Freshwater Fish Commission.
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from website of South Creek Fox Hounds
http://www.southcreekfoxhounds.com
South Creek Foxhounds, Florida's oldest and largest hunt, is enjoying it's 36th season of exciting sport. South Creek was established in 1965 as Two Rivers Hunt and recognized in 1972. In 1995, the hunt moved from it's beginning territory of Two Rivers Ranch located in Zephyrhills, FL and changed its name. Our new territories are private ranches located in the Tampa Bay area, primarily in Zephyrhills and Dade City. The land hunted is a mixture of flat terrain with some wetlands, cypress bay heads and woodlands. The fences are mainly, inviting solid coops not exceeding three feet in height. There is always a non jumping field. The sport is fox, coyote and occasionally a bobcat. There is hunting two days per week from September to February. At the end of our season, South Creek is proud to be the host to the 9th Annual All Florida Meet which brings hunters from all over the United States, Canada and the British Isles together for four days of comradely with three hunts, numerous parties, sporting events and culminating with our hunt ball. We are also one of the proud sponsors of the 2nd Annual Little Everglades Steeplechase, the first recognized steeplechase in Florida. South Creek welcomes all visitors and hopes you come enjoy our sport in central Florida.
Founded 1965 Recognized 1972
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for Pasco County Commissioners and other County Officials
www.pascocountyfl.net/commission.html
www.pascocountyfl.net/omb/elected.html
for a list of the property owners allowing their barns and property to be used for this cruel recreation:
www.southcreekfoxhounds.com/barns.html
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Please friends, speak up for the foxes, coyotes and maybe bob cats who will suffer and may die so that these clownish, brutal, social climbers can pretend to be English gentry.
Dr. Albert Schweitzer said,
"The time will come when public opinion will no longer tolerate amusements based on the mistreatment and killing of animals. The time will come, but when?"
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Gael R. Murphy - Educational Coordinator
Florida Voices for Animals, Inc. http://www.fvaonline.org/
PO Box 17523
Tampa, FL 33682
(813) 969-3755
flvoices@aol.com
