With the hunting season over, a large number of dogs are in the pound

The beginning of January marks the end of hunting season. Whether the dogs become too expensive, or they can no longer hunt, many owners just give them up.

There are about fifteen hunting dogs in the Pender County Animal Shelter’s care. That is a quarter of their total dog population. “You have people whose dogs don’t hunt anymore, and all of a sudden those dogs become disposable so they end up here at the pound,” said Ami McArthur of Pender County Animal Shelter.

Hunting season runs from mid October to January 1st. Now that it’s over, more hunting dogs are abandoned. Dog foster parent, Ronni Robinson said, “Its rather sad if a dog just can’t be kept as a pet if it doesn’t hunt well.”

Ronni Robinson rescued an abandoned hunting dog; a 10-month-old Walker hound named, Marley. “She was really dehydrated and had anemia,” she said.

Many dogs are just abandoned after hunting season. Electronic tracking devices that keep track of the pet while hunting can run a thousand dollars, between the collar and receiver. Many just do not want to foot the bill all year round.

Easter Outfitters sales associate, Frankie Creech said, “A lot of them put them in the pound because they can not afford them in the off season. But during the on season they want them and they’re going to go get more.”

It is a sad fate for many of these dogs. It is often tough for them to find homes because hounds bark a lot, they dig, and are sometimes scratched up. But with a little TLC, these bright animals can make loving four legged friends.

If you would like to adopt one of these abandoned hunting dogs, you can call the Pender County Animal Shelter at 910-259-3289.