End use of dogs in sport hunting

Every year, local animal rescue groups, shelters and veterinary offices see an influx of hunting dogs that have been abandoned. Some rescuers say the collapse of the pheasant population and the recession are to blame, but the blame lies with those who abandon the dogs.

Some of the lucky dogs are adopted, but most meet a sad death when they run out of time and the shelter needs space. While hunters often claim to “respect” animals, their actions belie their words.

When one considers the objective of sport hunting - to violently inflict an injury upon an animal so severe that the animal dies from the wound - it is not surprising that many hunters have long ago abandoned their consciences to the point where dumping their dog gives them no pause for thought.

Sadly, as long as there is hunting, there will always be cruel people who pursue the sport.

Because it is unethical to use “man's best friend” as a weapon and a tool to terrorize wildlife, and because so many dogs are abused and neglected by hunters, the time has come to ban hunting with dogs in Iowa and the nation. Visit www.abolish

sporthunting.com.

Joe Miele, President

The Committee to Abolish Sport Hunting

Las Cruces, N.M.