Beyond the Hunt: Rehoming Hounds for a Better Life
From Hunt to Home: Dobby's Story
Video of Dobby and Kate Fox, Founder of Verify Humanity.
Imagine a dog whose life has been spent in cold, concrete kennels, her days defined by the relentless competition for food and space. Her world was loud, chaotic, and far from the warmth of a family home. But everything changed when she was given a chance. This dog, once a hunting hound, now lives as a beloved family pet. Her name is Dobby — yes, like the house-elf from Harry Potter, and with ears just as big! But unlike her namesake, Dobby didn’t need a sock to gain her freedom — just a family willing to open their hearts and home.
As the Boxing Day hunt approaches — a day that tragically sees foxes killed under the guise of "trail hunting" — it's time to challenge the narrative that hunting hounds are "unrehomable." The truth is far more hopeful. These loyal, intelligent dogs deserve better, and they can have better.
Watch the story of Dobby, a rescued hound who’s found love beyond the hunt.
Challenging Myths About Hunting Hounds
❌ Myth 1: "Hunting hounds can’t live in a home."
✅ Reality: Hunting hounds are highly adaptable. Once they leave the competitive environment of the kennels, they can settle into home life remarkably well. Many ex-working dogs, like greyhounds, make exceptional family pets — and foxhounds are no different.
❌ Myth 2: "Hounds will chase and kill wildlife."
✅ Reality: While hunting hounds have a prey drive, they can be safely controlled with responsible ownership. Like many other dogs with strong instincts, such as terriers or spaniels, they can enjoy a safe life with proper supervision.
❌ Myth 3: "If hunting is banned, all the hounds will have to be shot."
✅ Reality: This is a scare tactic used to maintain support for hunting. In reality, hounds can be rehomed, just like racing greyhounds and ex-gundogs. The idea that hunters would be "forced" to kill them is false. In fact, the British public — a nation of dog lovers — would likely be queuing up to adopt these dogs if given the opportunity.
The Truth Behind Boxing Day Hunts
Boxing Day is one of the UK’s most high-profile hunt days, often framed as "trail hunting," but in reality, foxes continue to be killed illegally. It’s a day that highlights the ongoing battle between tradition and cruelty.
For the hounds, it’s also a pivotal moment. When conversations about banning 'trail hunting" arise, hunt supporters invoke the fate of the hounds as a justification to keep the practice going. They argue that, without hunting, the hounds would have to be shot. This tactic is designed to tug at the heartstrings of dog lovers. But if people knew the truth — that hounds can absolutely live as cherished pets — this argument would collapse.
We must make people aware that the choice is not "hunt or kill the hounds." The real choice is "hunt or rehome them." And with rehoming, everyone wins.
How You Can Help
1. Spread Awareness: Share Dobby’s story and her journey from hunting hound to happy pet. Post on social media, talk to friends, and help us challenge the "unrehomable" myth.
2. Support Rescues: Animal charities have years of experience rehoming dogs with "working pasts" — like ex-racing greyhounds. Your support can help them extend this expertise to rehoming hunting hounds.
3. Demand Change: Pressure lawmakers to hold the government accountable for promises to ban "trail hunting". A complete ban would save the lives of foxes and the hounds used to chase them.
Click to Share Dobby's Story:
Closing Message
The idea that "hounds must be shot if hunting is banned" is a scare tactic — and it’s false. These dogs have lived hard lives, and they deserve a soft landing. With love and care, they can go from concrete kennels to cosy couches, just like Dobbie.
This Boxing Day, let’s challenge the narrative. Let’s show the world that hunting hounds deserve better, and they can have better. They’re not "working dogs" who are past their use-by date. They’re family dogs, waiting for their chance.
Watch Dobby's story. Share it. Change the conversation.
"Day 1 of Life with Dobby"