suestowford
Well-Known Member
I think so, although anyone who was anti-hunt could use the word inhumane to describe the huntsman's conduct.
A hound chasing and killing of its own accord could not be described as inhumane, it would be acting on instinct.
Where the distinction lies is whether or not the animal is under the direction of a human. Of course, cats as we all know are un-instructable and will do their own thing at all times. Canines are somewhat different.
There was an interesting case recently where a pack of hounds were out on exercise. Two of the hounds ran off and attacked two terriers, killing one of them. Whilst this was utterly horrible for the terriers' owner, and the hunt staff, the hunt were not directing the hounds to behave in this way, so was therefore not inhumane, but accidental. The hunt have acknowledged their responsibility, as the hounds should have been under better control. The two hounds involved have been pts as untrustworthy.
A hound chasing and killing of its own accord could not be described as inhumane, it would be acting on instinct.
Where the distinction lies is whether or not the animal is under the direction of a human. Of course, cats as we all know are un-instructable and will do their own thing at all times. Canines are somewhat different.
There was an interesting case recently where a pack of hounds were out on exercise. Two of the hounds ran off and attacked two terriers, killing one of them. Whilst this was utterly horrible for the terriers' owner, and the hunt staff, the hunt were not directing the hounds to behave in this way, so was therefore not inhumane, but accidental. The hunt have acknowledged their responsibility, as the hounds should have been under better control. The two hounds involved have been pts as untrustworthy.
