Penning (Warning: may be disturbing to some)

Unfortunately, I am not referring to this type of penning:

I am actually referring to the penning of wild animals that will become the target for training hunting dogs to kill. There are those out there that live trap raccoons, rabbits, fox and coyote and sell them to secluded, illegal "training" facilities.

Live trapped coyotes waiting to be sold to a facility.

In turn, a hunter will pay a fee to the guy who has the illegal set up to have his hound dogs "trained". A wild animal is released into a confined/fenced area where it cannot escape and the dogs are set loose. The wild animal is run to exhaustion and then is then ripped to shreds by the dogs. So, let me be clear here: Someone traps the animals and gets paid for them. Someone gets paid for allowing someone to enjoy watching how well his dogs are trained based on how they run an animal and rip it apart. Did I mention that this activity is illegal? Money makes the world go 'round. Wildlife penning has the same underground culture as dog fighting. Sigh.

As a wildlife advocate, I not only find this cruel and disgusting, I find it deeply disturbing and creepy. What kind of person thinks that this activity is acceptable? Wildlife penning is a blood sport and is just wrong, plain and simple. Indiana is currently considering legalizing penning. I would urge anyone who would like to work towards putting an end to penning in the U.S. to sign the petition below or, if you live in Indiana, contact your state representative and tell them you want this blood sport stopped.

http://www.change.org/petitions/urgent-help-ban-the-brutal-practice-of-penning-of-coyotes-foxes-indiana

I guess you can tell I am worked up. :-) Sorry for the non-horse post, but education is key in having these types of activities stopped. Thanks in advance for supporting wildlife!!! My next post will be happier, I promise!!!