Poll: Virginians oppose ‘fox penning’
A new poll conducted by Mason-Dixon Polling & Research shows that Virginia voters overwhelmingly oppose the abuse of animals in “fox penning” operations by a more than 8-to-1 margin—and a majority support legislation to prohibit the practice.
Fox pens are fenced enclosures where dogs are released in competitions to chase down and torment captive foxes, often killing them. In just three years, nearly 4,000 foxes were subjected to these unethical and inhumane events.
The statewide survey reveals that 67 percent of Virginia voters oppose the practice of fox penning and just 8 percent support it. The survey results were consistent in every political demographic, with every group and party affiliation opposed to penning. Voters statewide support legislation prohibiting the practice by a margin of more than 2-to-1.
The poll results were released at a press conference Thursday calling on lawmakers to support the legislation, SB 202 sponsored by Sen. David W. Marsden, D-37, and HB 695 sponsored by Del. Kenneth R. Plum, D-36.
“This poll leaves no doubt where Virginians stand on the gruesome practice of fox penning,” said Laura Donahue, Virginia state director for The HSUS. “Fox pens clash with our commonwealth’s long tradition of fair and humane wildlife policies, so we thank Senator Marsden and Delegate Plum for introducing legislation to end this cruelty. It’s time to shut them down once and for all.”
“Fox pens are the last legal blood sport in Virginia,” said Sen. Marsden. “They represent a fundamental departure from the wildlife policies in the commonwealth, and I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Senate to deal with this serious problem.”
“It is clear that as Virginians learn about the practice of fox penning, most decide, as I have, that it is a repulsive practice that should be outlawed,” said Del. Plum.
The focus on fox penning kicked off Humane Lobby Day, sponsored by The HSUS and the ASPCA® . More than 170 citizens and representatives from local shelters and animal rescue groups met with lawmakers to voice support for animal welfare legislation.
“There are several critical pieces of humane legislation pending in Virginia this legislative session, and Humane Lobby Day is a unique opportunity for animal advocates from across the state to meet with their elected officials and have their voices heard,” said Ann Church, vice president of state affairs for the ASPCA. “It’s important for Virginia lawmakers to hear from their constituents and enact stronger laws to protect animals against inherently cruel activities like fox penning.”
In addition to the calling for an end to fox penning, Humane Lobby Day attendees are urging support of the following:
HB363, supported by Dels. Patrick Hope, D-47, and Jennifer McClellan, D-71, to protect pets in domestic violence situations from falling victim to abuse or neglect.
The measures would allow courts in Virginia to issue an injunction for protection against domestic violence, granting the petitioner the exclusive care of a pet.
SB 477/HB1242, sponsored by Del. Christopher Peace, R-97, and Sen. Louise Lucas, D-18, would restrict the ownership of certain dangerous wild animals to only experienced and qualified individuals.
HB1159, sponsored by Del. Mark Sickles, D-43, would prohibit the sale of shark fins, thus removing Virginia from the cruel and destructive shark fin trade.
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There is nothing wrong w/foxpenning. The foxes live in a huge sanctuary (100 acres or more). They have lots of places they can hide from the hounds. They are NOT loosed before the hounds to be torn to pieces as HSUS would have you believe. They are rarely killed. If Virginians are against it, it is because they have no idea what it is and when it is defined by HSUS it is totally misrepresented. I was at a meeting where Laura Donahue “explained” fox penning and she flat out lied about what goes on and she knew it. I called her on it and she moved on. If the positions of the HSUS are so laudable, why do they feel the need to mislead and lie? Now, I don’t really care about foxpenning, but people should have the right to do what they wish with their own property and if they want to operate a fox pen that is their decision to make, not Laura Donahue’s.
What poll? I wasn’t asked. What happened to a free country?
I want folks to understand something, go research fox penning yourself. This is nothing more than hunting with dogs. I have a real problem with the animal rights people pushing to outlaw “hunting with dogs” they say it’s fox pennig and they use there infamous word “Barbaric” . These radicals have had certain states outlaw hunting with dogs and now they need to be stopped here in VA. The law makers need to just say no , I will not accept your donations to your cause. Period!
Sen. Lucas’ SB477 doesnt just limit “DANGEROUS ANIMALS” to experienced and qualified facilities…..it limits all primates, cats (except house cats), bears, snakes, and canines (except domestic dogs) from ANYONEexcept a non breeding sanctuary or AZA Zoo. This is a real problem for all the professional large non AZA zoo’s who educate millions in VA annually. There are 20 facilities in VA who have big cats, if this bill passed, over 8 million Virginians would be forced to seethem at only 4 zoo’s. All of which receive federal and state funding. The Humane Society sponsored SB477 needs to be OPPOSED by all who want to see these magnificent animals live another 20 years. All of this red tape by HSUS is sending animals closer to extinction. VOTE NO TO SB477
there’s nothing at all wrong with fox pens ! why dont these tree hugging yankee carpet baggers go back north and try to solve some of their own problems