Hunting conviction as published by Countryside Alliance
As you know there have been very few prosecutions involving hunts since the Hunting Act came into force and most of those have failed. The Act came into force nearly six years ago yet the guilty verdict delivered on Richard Down, the huntsman of the Quantock Staghounds, on Monday in Taunton Magistrates Court was only the fourth involving a hunt. That verdict may yet be appealed, and we will give our full support to Richard if he chooses to do so, but in the meantime it is worth considering the details of the case.
The Hunting Act was promoted by its supporters as a law which would reduce suffering and improve animal welfare. We argued that the real purpose was something completely different: a vindictive political attack on a misrepresented minority. Richard Down's conviction adds even more weight to our case.
Many of the facts were agreed by the court. An injured stag had been seen in a field of beans by a local farmer a day before the offence was committed in September 2009. The Quantock Staghounds met the next day and boxed to the area it was last seen. Richard took five of the seven hounds he had brought out to search for the stag. It could not be found on the farm so Richard crossed the road and started searching on the edge of the Quantock Hills. After some time a supporter who was ahead of the hounds radioed that he had seen a stag matching the description of the one they were looking for. Richard immediately loaded three hounds into a landrover so he could continue to hunt under the injured stag and put it out of its misery under the conditions of exempt hunting. After about eight minutes the stag was filmed entering a deep valley called Dens Coombe where it disappeared. Richard arrived shortly afterwards and stopped to gather three more hounds to help him find it in the coombe. The stag was relocated but climbed out of the other side before it could be shot. Richard could not follow, but two of the hounds were stopped immediately by hunt supporters whilst three continued to pursue the stag for a short distance before one more was stopped. The stag was killed about half a mile away and when skinned was found to have a broken bone in its pelvis which was likely have been caused by a car.
The court decided that once the stag had been found only two hounds should have been used to complete the hunt and that Richard was in breach of the conditions of exempt hunting by using five to search for it in the coombe. Whether or not that is correct one thing is certain: the limit on the number of hounds that can be used to hunt and kill an injured deer increases the time it takes to deal with any casualty. The Hunting Act caused the suffering of the stag that Richard Down was trying to put out of its misery to be extended, as it has done with many others.
These facts can lead to just one conclusion: it is the politicians who passed the law and the animal rights activists who celebrated this conviction who are really guilty of cruelty, not Richard Down whose primary concern remains the welfare of the deer of the Quantock Hills
Saturday 27 November 2010
Thursday 18 November 2010
Betrayal of an Independent Voice
Extract from Countryside Alliance grassroots.
You may have read a heavily slanted lead article in Saturday's Independent newspaper, but if not I would like to draw it to your attention. The piece, "The Great Animal Rights Betrayal" was heavily biased, screaming "Millions of hens will have their beaks mutilated; game birds will remain in cages; pigs, sheep and cows in abattoirs will lose crucial protection from abuse; badgers will be culled and lions, tigers and other wild animals will continue to perform in the big top." The article pursued an animal rights agenda that should shame the Independent's alleged liberal sensibilities and contained overtly biased comment such as "Another Conservative proposal - to hold a free vote on overturning the ban on fox hunting - will be fiercely opposed."
Attacking Defra Minister James Paice MP was particularly low. Mr Paice, a farmer, has long been a sound and empathetic champion of rural issues. Within Government he has already had to take tough decisions, often ones which previous urban-based ministers have fought shy of taking. One of the points of attack in the Independent's article was on the 'cage rearing' of game birds, printing accusations of a policy reversal which are simply untrue since no ban was ever in place. As the Countryside Alliance's Rob Gray has subsequently pointed out in a letter to the paper, "James Paice revisited the legislation because the previous government ignored the advice of its own experts". The revised Code of Game Rearing, based on principle and evidence, is now a workable piece of legislation, backed by the Countryside Alliance, the Country Land & Business Association, the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust, the Game Farmers' Association and the National Gamekeepers' Organisation. Read Rob Gray's letter and a letter from James Paice MP himself, here.The language of animal rights is shrill, emotive and deeply flawed, which is why the article's accusation of "animal rights betrayal" is no bad thing. The Government should not give oxygen to animal rights extremists and their illogical demands. We are all strong champions of animal welfare, not animal rights, and in a week where the League Against Cruel Sports declared "The only 'population management' on our land is by Mother Nature," we are glad to have a Minister who can tell the difference.
Alice Barnard, Chief Executive Countryside Alliance
________________________________________
You may have read a heavily slanted lead article in Saturday's Independent newspaper, but if not I would like to draw it to your attention. The piece, "The Great Animal Rights Betrayal" was heavily biased, screaming "Millions of hens will have their beaks mutilated; game birds will remain in cages; pigs, sheep and cows in abattoirs will lose crucial protection from abuse; badgers will be culled and lions, tigers and other wild animals will continue to perform in the big top." The article pursued an animal rights agenda that should shame the Independent's alleged liberal sensibilities and contained overtly biased comment such as "Another Conservative proposal - to hold a free vote on overturning the ban on fox hunting - will be fiercely opposed."
Attacking Defra Minister James Paice MP was particularly low. Mr Paice, a farmer, has long been a sound and empathetic champion of rural issues. Within Government he has already had to take tough decisions, often ones which previous urban-based ministers have fought shy of taking. One of the points of attack in the Independent's article was on the 'cage rearing' of game birds, printing accusations of a policy reversal which are simply untrue since no ban was ever in place. As the Countryside Alliance's Rob Gray has subsequently pointed out in a letter to the paper, "James Paice revisited the legislation because the previous government ignored the advice of its own experts". The revised Code of Game Rearing, based on principle and evidence, is now a workable piece of legislation, backed by the Countryside Alliance, the Country Land & Business Association, the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust, the Game Farmers' Association and the National Gamekeepers' Organisation. Read Rob Gray's letter and a letter from James Paice MP himself, here.The language of animal rights is shrill, emotive and deeply flawed, which is why the article's accusation of "animal rights betrayal" is no bad thing. The Government should not give oxygen to animal rights extremists and their illogical demands. We are all strong champions of animal welfare, not animal rights, and in a week where the League Against Cruel Sports declared "The only 'population management' on our land is by Mother Nature," we are glad to have a Minister who can tell the difference.
Alice Barnard, Chief Executive Countryside Alliance
________________________________________
Thursday 11 November 2010
Stewart North Mid Norfolk Novice AV Retriever Field Trial Award
Stewart North Gundog Trainer East Midlands was presented with a Field Trial Award on a young Labrador Retriever Russlayne Bracken "Poppy" at the Mid Norfolk Gundog Club Novice AV Retriever Field Trial held at Shrublands Farm, Old Buckenham, Norfolk on the 10th November 2011
"Its Fate as some would say" Stewart withdrew a Golden Retriever from the Yorkshire Golden Retriever Novice stake due to training issues, He was then lucky enough to be offered a run in the Mid Norfolk Novice on the same day only having just run 6 days earlier with the same club, that day he was Number 1 and never picked a bird, this time at number 14 completed the trial.
The Winner number 10 Robin Wise was called up from the reserves at 5.30pm the night before "Your number is your luck in field trials"
This award was particularly pleasing as Poppy entered her first 2010 field trial 6 days ago. She gained THIRD PLACE after 5 retrieves in sugar beet, the first retrieve being a partridge on the left of the line and then a pheasant on the right of the line under judges Mr M Jennings & Mr. B Boardman both retreives were straight forward marks, with no handling required.
In the 2nd round under judges Mr R Beckerleg & Miss S Coby, we must have walked for 1 hour or more, before Poppy was asked to pick a partridge, she was in the line when several birds were shot and dropped at close range, the dogs steadiness was well tested, we also had a rabbit bolt in front of us!
In the 3rd round, we never had any difficult birds to pick, just another two striaght forward pheasants both good marks picked without any handling.
Both the winner Robin Wise & second placed Liz Ingram were asked to pick retrieves slightly more challenging than Poppy's, which required a small degree of handling.
Certificate of Merit was awarded to Fiona Joint.
Their were 14 runners overall, 1. Mr P Garton was dropped in the second round on a hare. 2. Ms J van der Dussen failed to pick a bird in the second round, 3. Ms L Ingram awarded 2nd. 4. Mr R Bannock was dropped in the first round on heelwork, 5. Mrs Fiona Joint awarded COM, 6. Ms S Larsson failed to get to the area. 7 Mr S littleboy dog ran in. 8 Mr A Brazier was dropped for heelwork ( This dog later collapsed and needed to be taken to the vet, we hope alls well with the dog)9. Mr P Askew dropped for heelwork. 10. Mrs R Wise Winner 11. Mr P Buckenham failed to pick a bird in the second round.12 Mr P Abbs first dog failure. 13 Mrs J Smith first round dropped for pulling on scent on a straight mark.14. Mr S North awarded 3rd.
Results
1st Mrs R Wise, Muddymile Honeyguide, Sire FTCH Wingsham Tinder of Smithsteads Dam FTCH Muddymile Eider
2nd Ms E Ingram, Garrethall Ouka, Sire FTCH Garrethall Macauley Dam Garrethall Lucky Chance
3rd Mr. S North, Russlayne Bracken Sire FTCH Brindlebay Jude Dam Fernshot Milly
COM Mrs F Joint, Muddymile Hawfinch, Sire FTCH Wingsham Tinder of Smithsteads Dam FTCH Muddymile Eider
My thanks go to Messrs J Alston and J Cracknell for hosting the trial, to the judges and helpers in particular Mark Danson-Hatcher & Graham Symonds and Sponsors Skinners Dog Foods & Sporting Saint
"Its Fate as some would say" Stewart withdrew a Golden Retriever from the Yorkshire Golden Retriever Novice stake due to training issues, He was then lucky enough to be offered a run in the Mid Norfolk Novice on the same day only having just run 6 days earlier with the same club, that day he was Number 1 and never picked a bird, this time at number 14 completed the trial.
The Winner number 10 Robin Wise was called up from the reserves at 5.30pm the night before "Your number is your luck in field trials"
This award was particularly pleasing as Poppy entered her first 2010 field trial 6 days ago. She gained THIRD PLACE after 5 retrieves in sugar beet, the first retrieve being a partridge on the left of the line and then a pheasant on the right of the line under judges Mr M Jennings & Mr. B Boardman both retreives were straight forward marks, with no handling required.
In the 2nd round under judges Mr R Beckerleg & Miss S Coby, we must have walked for 1 hour or more, before Poppy was asked to pick a partridge, she was in the line when several birds were shot and dropped at close range, the dogs steadiness was well tested, we also had a rabbit bolt in front of us!
In the 3rd round, we never had any difficult birds to pick, just another two striaght forward pheasants both good marks picked without any handling.
Both the winner Robin Wise & second placed Liz Ingram were asked to pick retrieves slightly more challenging than Poppy's, which required a small degree of handling.
Certificate of Merit was awarded to Fiona Joint.
Their were 14 runners overall, 1. Mr P Garton was dropped in the second round on a hare. 2. Ms J van der Dussen failed to pick a bird in the second round, 3. Ms L Ingram awarded 2nd. 4. Mr R Bannock was dropped in the first round on heelwork, 5. Mrs Fiona Joint awarded COM, 6. Ms S Larsson failed to get to the area. 7 Mr S littleboy dog ran in. 8 Mr A Brazier was dropped for heelwork ( This dog later collapsed and needed to be taken to the vet, we hope alls well with the dog)9. Mr P Askew dropped for heelwork. 10. Mrs R Wise Winner 11. Mr P Buckenham failed to pick a bird in the second round.12 Mr P Abbs first dog failure. 13 Mrs J Smith first round dropped for pulling on scent on a straight mark.14. Mr S North awarded 3rd.
Results
1st Mrs R Wise, Muddymile Honeyguide, Sire FTCH Wingsham Tinder of Smithsteads Dam FTCH Muddymile Eider
2nd Ms E Ingram, Garrethall Ouka, Sire FTCH Garrethall Macauley Dam Garrethall Lucky Chance
3rd Mr. S North, Russlayne Bracken Sire FTCH Brindlebay Jude Dam Fernshot Milly
COM Mrs F Joint, Muddymile Hawfinch, Sire FTCH Wingsham Tinder of Smithsteads Dam FTCH Muddymile Eider
My thanks go to Messrs J Alston and J Cracknell for hosting the trial, to the judges and helpers in particular Mark Danson-Hatcher & Graham Symonds and Sponsors Skinners Dog Foods & Sporting Saint
Monday 8 November 2010
Kennel Club AV Novice Field Trial Bowman Estate, Scottish Borders
It has been said many a time there is no better place to field trial than in Scotland,and I must congratulate the kennel club in organising a first class novice field trial on excellent ground in the scottish borders.
Judges Mr. D Donnelly, Mr. T Loughran, Mr. K Matthews and Mrs. J Greig
Winner Miss K Cousins Jaggybrae Cosmo
2nd Miss N Waddington Inver Jomo
3rd Mr I Hollern Rizzaro Blaze of Brackenbird
4th Mr. J Swindlehurst Maldrake Livie
Having been in the line most of the day with both Labrador Retriever Russlayne Bracken and Golden Retriever Penmeadhowe Tamar, I was a little disspointed not to finish the field trial, but i did have an excellent run with Tamar,who just got too hot towards the end of the trial having made 4 retrieves, 2 of which were extremely difficult one being a runner and the other was a bird deemed not pickable from the other side of the line. Tamar was dismissed for making a noise in the 4th round, the occasion with me double handling 2 dogs and her first field trial was just too much for such a young gundog. More experience required!
My 2nd dog got dismissed for holding onto a bird, more training required!
The Field Trial was hosted by gracious permission of the Duke of Buccleuch and Queensberry, Greg Ford and Friends picked up for the day. Thanks to all the Guns.
Judges Mr. D Donnelly, Mr. T Loughran, Mr. K Matthews and Mrs. J Greig
Winner Miss K Cousins Jaggybrae Cosmo
2nd Miss N Waddington Inver Jomo
3rd Mr I Hollern Rizzaro Blaze of Brackenbird
4th Mr. J Swindlehurst Maldrake Livie
Having been in the line most of the day with both Labrador Retriever Russlayne Bracken and Golden Retriever Penmeadhowe Tamar, I was a little disspointed not to finish the field trial, but i did have an excellent run with Tamar,who just got too hot towards the end of the trial having made 4 retrieves, 2 of which were extremely difficult one being a runner and the other was a bird deemed not pickable from the other side of the line. Tamar was dismissed for making a noise in the 4th round, the occasion with me double handling 2 dogs and her first field trial was just too much for such a young gundog. More experience required!
My 2nd dog got dismissed for holding onto a bird, more training required!
The Field Trial was hosted by gracious permission of the Duke of Buccleuch and Queensberry, Greg Ford and Friends picked up for the day. Thanks to all the Guns.
Gundogs and Dental Care ?
Dental care for gun dogs:
What is a vet looking for in any dog, healthy or sick, when opening its mouth?
The oral cavity can provide valuable information not only about disease within the mouth area, but it also reflects disease processes occurring in other organ systems.
Examples?
Obviously dental disease is something vets look for, but problems such as kidney or liver failure may also be detected early by changes that are occurring in the mouth. Abnormalities may be as subtle as slight color change of the gums, foul breath or sores.
It's important for gun dog owners to study their own animal, as knowing what's normal is critical for early identification of possible problems.
Vets recommended being familiar with your gundog's gum color in addition to the importance of knowing heart rate, respiratory rate and body temperature at different levels of activity, again in hope that by being better informed, we're able to recognise problems or make the right decision should an emergency occur.
The sooner problems are recognised and brought to the attention of your veterinarian, the greater the chance of successful treatment.
What's normal gum color?
In most breeds, the gums will be bubblegum or coral pink with glistening white teeth. Some darker-colored breeds, however, may have pigmentation along the lips and gums. Brittany owners may recognize an almost orange color to the gums of some like-colored dogs. If you have a young dog, take note so you're able to know what's normal for him.
How serious a problem is it for our gun dogs?
Periodontal disease is an extension of gingivitis, an inflammation or receding of the gums that allows infection to loosen the supporting structures of the teeth.
Like people, tartar and plaque are the usual culprits that start the process. While dry food does scrape away some plaque--helping to lower the incidence slightly--and chew bones or treats also can help, there's no substitute for brushing your dog's teeth!
If brushing is introduced as part of early socialization and training, it's accepted with little hassle.
With older dogs it's more of a problem; yet most well-trained gun dogs soon accept the brushing without too much fuss.
If you have an older dog, start with a trip to your veterinarian, ask him to clean the dog's teeth and show you the best way to brush, and discuss different options of products to use. The frequency will depend on your commitment.
Dental decay can cause a root abscess or possibly develop heart disease brought on by infection from gum disease entering the bloodstream, which can result invalvular endocarditis, inflammation of the membrane of the heart.
Now let's get back to our discussion of gum color. Most of us know to watch gum color as an early sign of heat stress during warm early-season hunting, as the tongue and gums become darker as the body tries to cool through greater blood flow in those areas.
Other examples of problems are the lighter oral most white-colored gums of anemic puppies who might be suffering from severe flea or hookworm infestation. In adult dogs, you may see jaundice or a yellowing of the gums as a result of liver disease.
I would emphasize the importance of distinguishing normal from abnormal and be less concerned in knowing which system is responsible, but if you notice anything abnormal, bring it to your veterinarian's attention.
Tumors can be found inside a dog's mouth?
Although the risk for most tumors increases with age, most veterinarians will advise a biopsy of any mass in the mouth regardless of age.
If you are unable to see the growth, the signs are similar to other diseases of the mouth. Most frequently, those signs would be a loss of appetite, bad breath, pawing at the mouth, excessive or bloody salivation, or difficulty in swallowing.
Cancer is a diagnosis none of us want to hear, yet the advantage of early treatment is obvious and again reinforces your message of the importance in knowing what's normal for your dog, so if something unusual shows up, it will be recognized and brought to the attention of a veterinarian.
What is a vet looking for in any dog, healthy or sick, when opening its mouth?
The oral cavity can provide valuable information not only about disease within the mouth area, but it also reflects disease processes occurring in other organ systems.
Examples?
Obviously dental disease is something vets look for, but problems such as kidney or liver failure may also be detected early by changes that are occurring in the mouth. Abnormalities may be as subtle as slight color change of the gums, foul breath or sores.
It's important for gun dog owners to study their own animal, as knowing what's normal is critical for early identification of possible problems.
Vets recommended being familiar with your gundog's gum color in addition to the importance of knowing heart rate, respiratory rate and body temperature at different levels of activity, again in hope that by being better informed, we're able to recognise problems or make the right decision should an emergency occur.
The sooner problems are recognised and brought to the attention of your veterinarian, the greater the chance of successful treatment.
What's normal gum color?
In most breeds, the gums will be bubblegum or coral pink with glistening white teeth. Some darker-colored breeds, however, may have pigmentation along the lips and gums. Brittany owners may recognize an almost orange color to the gums of some like-colored dogs. If you have a young dog, take note so you're able to know what's normal for him.
How serious a problem is it for our gun dogs?
Periodontal disease is an extension of gingivitis, an inflammation or receding of the gums that allows infection to loosen the supporting structures of the teeth.
Like people, tartar and plaque are the usual culprits that start the process. While dry food does scrape away some plaque--helping to lower the incidence slightly--and chew bones or treats also can help, there's no substitute for brushing your dog's teeth!
If brushing is introduced as part of early socialization and training, it's accepted with little hassle.
With older dogs it's more of a problem; yet most well-trained gun dogs soon accept the brushing without too much fuss.
If you have an older dog, start with a trip to your veterinarian, ask him to clean the dog's teeth and show you the best way to brush, and discuss different options of products to use. The frequency will depend on your commitment.
Dental decay can cause a root abscess or possibly develop heart disease brought on by infection from gum disease entering the bloodstream, which can result invalvular endocarditis, inflammation of the membrane of the heart.
Now let's get back to our discussion of gum color. Most of us know to watch gum color as an early sign of heat stress during warm early-season hunting, as the tongue and gums become darker as the body tries to cool through greater blood flow in those areas.
Other examples of problems are the lighter oral most white-colored gums of anemic puppies who might be suffering from severe flea or hookworm infestation. In adult dogs, you may see jaundice or a yellowing of the gums as a result of liver disease.
I would emphasize the importance of distinguishing normal from abnormal and be less concerned in knowing which system is responsible, but if you notice anything abnormal, bring it to your veterinarian's attention.
Tumors can be found inside a dog's mouth?
Although the risk for most tumors increases with age, most veterinarians will advise a biopsy of any mass in the mouth regardless of age.
If you are unable to see the growth, the signs are similar to other diseases of the mouth. Most frequently, those signs would be a loss of appetite, bad breath, pawing at the mouth, excessive or bloody salivation, or difficulty in swallowing.
Cancer is a diagnosis none of us want to hear, yet the advantage of early treatment is obvious and again reinforces your message of the importance in knowing what's normal for your dog, so if something unusual shows up, it will be recognized and brought to the attention of a veterinarian.
Dont let your gundog get affected with Ringworm
One of the most common skin conditions our hunting dogs suffer with is ringworm.
Ringworm may be caused by parasites or by fungal infections and is typically transmitted by fleas.
Symptoms of Ringworm
Recognising ringworm is key to treating it, and like most infections, the sooner it’s diagnosed, the easier it is to treat. Ringworm is uncomfortable for your dog and can lead to serious complications and infections. Watch for these signs:
1. Hair loss with a circular pattern, particularly on head and legs
2. Crusty-patterned, red circular patches on skin
3. Scratching and itching more than usual
Diagnosis of Ringworm
If any kind of skin infection or problem seems to be apparent on your dog, you should take him to a veterinarian as soon as possible. A vet can quickly diagnose any condition that might be ringworm and will have treatments available to cure it. Blood tests and skin scrapings are the usual method of testing for ringworm. Conditions that can cause a rash or other problem need to be ruled out to be sure it’s ringworm that is the culprit.
Treatment of Ringworm
Once diagnosed, treatment for ringworm will vary depending on the source. Usually, the culprit is fleas so your dog will have to be treated for fleas before the ringworm treatment can begin. The obvious first step will be to clean your home, your dog’s bedding area, and other areas where your dog has been.
A flea treatment can quickly eliminate fleas if the flea infestation gets out of control.
When your dog is rid of all fleas and/or ticks, ringworm will probably go away on their own in just a couple of weeks. However, medication, special baths, and other treatment options may be suggested by your vet for faster recovery.
Prevention
Preventing ringworm is the best way to care for it. If it never happens, it’s much easier to deal with. Since ringworm is usually caused by fleas, preventing fleas from getting to your dog is the best way to prevent ringworm.
Regular bathing, keeping the dog’s area clean, and using anti-flea remedies will keep your dog from getting ringworm.
If you suspect your dog has a skin condition such as ringworm, take your dog to a veterinarian right away. Fast diagnosis means easier treatment and it will be much less stressful on you and your dog if done quickly.
Ringworm may be caused by parasites or by fungal infections and is typically transmitted by fleas.
Symptoms of Ringworm
Recognising ringworm is key to treating it, and like most infections, the sooner it’s diagnosed, the easier it is to treat. Ringworm is uncomfortable for your dog and can lead to serious complications and infections. Watch for these signs:
1. Hair loss with a circular pattern, particularly on head and legs
2. Crusty-patterned, red circular patches on skin
3. Scratching and itching more than usual
Diagnosis of Ringworm
If any kind of skin infection or problem seems to be apparent on your dog, you should take him to a veterinarian as soon as possible. A vet can quickly diagnose any condition that might be ringworm and will have treatments available to cure it. Blood tests and skin scrapings are the usual method of testing for ringworm. Conditions that can cause a rash or other problem need to be ruled out to be sure it’s ringworm that is the culprit.
Treatment of Ringworm
Once diagnosed, treatment for ringworm will vary depending on the source. Usually, the culprit is fleas so your dog will have to be treated for fleas before the ringworm treatment can begin. The obvious first step will be to clean your home, your dog’s bedding area, and other areas where your dog has been.
A flea treatment can quickly eliminate fleas if the flea infestation gets out of control.
When your dog is rid of all fleas and/or ticks, ringworm will probably go away on their own in just a couple of weeks. However, medication, special baths, and other treatment options may be suggested by your vet for faster recovery.
Prevention
Preventing ringworm is the best way to care for it. If it never happens, it’s much easier to deal with. Since ringworm is usually caused by fleas, preventing fleas from getting to your dog is the best way to prevent ringworm.
Regular bathing, keeping the dog’s area clean, and using anti-flea remedies will keep your dog from getting ringworm.
If you suspect your dog has a skin condition such as ringworm, take your dog to a veterinarian right away. Fast diagnosis means easier treatment and it will be much less stressful on you and your dog if done quickly.
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