Had to nip over to Colchester this afternoon, and went by the back lanes. About half way there we came across about twelve couple of the East Anglian Bloodhound Pack being exercised. The pack were slowed, we pulled into a handy gateway, enabling the pack to pass us, photographs to be taken, and courtesies exchanged. The pack don't hunt animals, but hunt by human scent alone; a track is laid down, and the pack follow it (usually from four to six miles). Aren't they a fine sight ?
P.s. Sorry about the slightly 'soft focus'. I think this was due to picture being taken via the car windscreen.
6 comments:
Why was hunting really banned?
Certainly Hare Coursing wasn't good but Fox Hunting?
The only time any Fox was caught was because it was very old and, probably, very sick....and as long as it was a decent hunt said old/sick Fox was despatched humanely and quickly.
Young, or indeed not so young, Foxes that were fit and healthy never got caught.
As a young chap I helped with a hunt on the Pennines and, in over 4 years, only one Fox was ever caught - and it actually expired during the hunt as, I believe, it's heart gave up and, according to the Vet on the hunt, was easily over 11 years old according to its teeth?....don't ask me I'm no Vet.
As the average life expectancy of a Fox is between 10 and 12....
The anti hunt brigade claim most wild Foxes - when hunting was legal - were lucky to make 3 years old.
If that's true, the Pennine Foxes were clearly made of sterner stuff!!!
(And as an animal lover I would join the 'anti' brigade tomorrow if they were telling the truth. As a hunt 'helper' I learned the truth with my own eyes)
Right Dinners....get off your soapbax before you fall off....;-)
A handsome scene Mike! I seem to recall the bloodhound has an exceptionally deep and mournful howl (not to be compared to your basso-profundo of course, they lack your gravitas). I can't recall the last time they were set on me but they've never caught me yet. Next time will likely be the first for both events.
It was done by the Labour party to try and stir up class warfare in my opinion. As a young man I followed hounds occasionally as you did; The Waveney Harriers and the West Norfolk Foxhounds. I wasn't a member of either hunt, couldn't afford it, just paid cap and followed whenever I could scrounge a mount.I don't much enjoy killing animals, but it's great fun galloping over someone else's land. And you're quite right, a lot of stuff the 'antis' put about were straight lies. Wild creatures aren't 'torn apart' by hounds- if a hound gets near enough a quick nip at the back of the neck does the job. Now hunting's banned and we're overrun with foxes. If I get into me stride on this subject I'll be here all morning............
Warm regards, Mike.
It was done by the Labour party to try and stir up class warfare in my opinion. As a young man I followed hounds occasionally as you did; The Waveney Harriers and the West Norfolk Foxhounds. I wasn't a member of either hunt, couldn't afford it, just paid cap and followed whenever I could scrounge a mount.I don't much enjoy killing animals, but it's great fun galloping over someone else's land. And you're quite right, a lot of stuff the 'antis' put about were straight lies. Wild creatures aren't 'torn apart' by hounds- if a hound gets near enough a quick nip at the back of the neck does the job. Now hunting's banned and we're overrun with foxes. If I get into me stride on this subject I'll be here all morning............
Warm regards, Mike.
Hi Carl. Yes, you're right; the bloodhound has a deep and mournful bay. They 'lollop' along at a fair old lick. If you're ever being pursued by them, I'd find either a ladder or a climbable tree, and having climbed it make assurance doubly sure by pulling it up after you. I've heard it said that they follow human scent because they like us. I don't know, but they always seem friendly creatures. Rather jolly natured than otherwise. Perhaps somebody can tell us more about them????
I love this photo Mike. What a great pack of dogs!
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