I read a Facebook post today that said Loudon West and Fairfax (I think) are merging, and hounds were being shot because there was no use for them.
That seems far fetched to me, in fact almost hoax-like. But since there’s no snopes for horse-related topics, I’m asking here!
I’m aware that not all hounds are draft-able to another pack, and not all hounds have the temperament to make good house pets, but this seems like a PR nightmare, whether it’s true or not.
Merger of Loudoun West and Fairfax is listed in Covertside magazine so probably true. I hope the rest is not.
The merger has been in the process for about 2 seasons - a quiet process where both hunts were granting hunting privileges to each others members. I’ll have to check for sure, but I think this year they will have completed the merger.
As for shooting hounds, haven’t heard that, and I sincerely doubt it but will ask my neighbor who whipped in for Fairfax for decades. Frankly, good hunting hounds are too valuable to just kill, and there are many hunts that would willingly draft them.
I got this too, and agree that well trained seasoned hounds are a valuable commodity that if no longer needed could go to different packs. Very strange.
[QUOTE=WNT;7067972]
I got this too, and agree that well trained seasoned hounds are a valuable commodity that if no longer needed could go to different packs. Very strange.[/QUOTE]
And untrue: This was posted on Loudoun Fairfax Page.
Loudoun Fairfax Hunt
Dear members and friends of Fairfax Hunt.
Allegations have recently surfaced in public media about the care of hounds at Fairfax Hunt. These allegations are not only false, but they are written with the intention of inflaming the hearts of well meaning people who are being purposely misinformed.
Please be assured that there is no plan, nor is there an effort underway to destroy hounds at our kennels. There is no higher privilege than the responsibility the staff has for the health and well being of our hounds. Throughout our hunt’s many challenges it has always been our goal to uphold the highest standards in care for our hounds.
The sanitation of the kennels, feed, medical care, vaccination and worming regimens for the hounds are all carefully planned by professionals and administered by a loving staff. The number of hounds at Fairfax Hunt and Loudoun Hunt West kennels is adequate for our needs this season. There is no surplus of hounds that require action to relocate. The Facebook allegations are truly baseless and false.
If in the future, we have hounds looking for homes, we would be happy to keep individuals informed as to their availability. Interested persons can inform the hunt secretary of their desire to adopt.
The Masters of Fairfax Hunt and Loudoun Fairfax Hunt look to the facts in this matter to provide comfort to those concerned, as we are, by these Facebook postings. Thanks to all of you who contacted us directly. We appreciate your concern and share your love of Foxhounds.
Masters of the Loudoun Fairfax Hunt
An excellent clarification. Thanks for posting, and best wishes to both hunts as they complete their merger. I am not a foxhunter but admire those of you who persist despite many modern challenges!
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