The Dog Wars is a campaign
to expose the reckless and outdated practice of using unlimited packs of dogs to hunt deer in Florida.
Operation "New Dawn" was our 5-year investigation throughout Florida that took a deep dive into how these "hounders" operate. Now that the FWC (Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission) is proposing using this method to hunt and kill bears, we had to pull the trigger on our investigation and get it out to the public ahead of the August FWC commission meeting. Floridians deserve to know the truth about what actually happens, not the whitewashed version from the deer dog hunting community and their lobbyists.
This method gives hunters an unfair advantage, terrorizes wildlife in the forest not just the intended target, and often leads to dogs trespassing on private property, sparking conflicts with landowners. It’s not just unethical, it’s dangerous. Reports of dogs being abandoned, gunfire near homes and roadways, and property violations are not uncommon. The Dog Wars aims to expose the truth behind this controversial practice and demand accountability from those who allow it to continue.
This is just the first phase of our website launch. Over the next six weeks, we’ll be adding more information, resources, and updates to help you stay informed and take action. Check back often as we continue to grow and expand our efforts.
Our Position on Overall Hunting and Fishing
To be clear: we are not opposed to still hunting or fishing. Our focus is solely on the reckless and often abusive practice of using packs dogs to hunt wildlife, especially deer, and now potentially bears.
The claim that we’re trying to ban all hunting or fishing is a lie being pushed by some in the hounding community. It’s fearmongering. In fact, a few still hunters have contacted us in support, agreeing that dog hunting can get out of control and is far from fair chase.
Our goal is not to end long-standing traditions, but to address practices that undermine ethical standards and the public trust. Wildlife does not belong to a few, but all of us.
That dog ain't gonna hunt
The dirty little secret of this practice: Some hunting dogs are abandoned once the hunt is over. Injured, lost, or no longer useful, they're often dumped in rural areas, left to starve or die. These dogs are the forgotten victims of a cruel and careless system.
“Nicole,” the dog in these photos, was abandoned after a hunt in one of the national forests in Florida. She was rescued by a local resident who wishes to remain anonymous for their safety.
"Fair Chase", not even close
Deer dog hunting is not fair chase, it’s an aggressive, militarized pursuit where packs of dogs, fitted with GPS collars, are released to relentlessly chase deer across vast tracts of land. Hunters in multiple vehicles track the dogs in real time using GPS, surrounding the fleeing animal and driving it into predetermined "kill zones." This coordinated ambush gives the deer no natural chance of escape and strips away any element of ethical hunting.
Hound Hunting:
A Threat to Public Safety.
Deer dog hunting isn’t just unethical; it’s a public safety threat. Packs of dogs often chase deer across public roads, creating serious hazards for drivers. At the same time, hounders block and speed down rural highways and dirt roads in pursuit, ignoring speed limits and putting lives at risk. It’s only a matter of time before this reckless behavior leads to tragedy.
Threats Policy Disclaimer
We take the safety and well-being of our team, volunteers, and supporters very seriously. Any threatening or harassing communication, written, verbal, or otherwise, will be treated as a serious matter and immediately reported to law enforcement authorities.
We are aware that individuals involved in controversial practices, such as the use of dogs in hunting, have previously issued threats. We maintain a zero-tolerance policy toward intimidation, and any such behavior will be documented and pursued through appropriate legal channels.
