Approves of fox pen arrests

To the editor:

The Humane Society of the United States commends the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for its undercover investigation into the trafficking of live foxes and coyotes to stock fox pens - fenced enclosures where dogs chase down captive wildlife in competitions ("FWC arrests 12 for illegal purchase, possession of foxes and coyotes," Nov. 19).

Twelve people were arrested for illegally buying and possessing foxes and coyotes, as well as operating enclosures without a permit. Since the FWC passed regulations, these pens have chronically violated them.

We can trace complaints back to 1990, when a hunter contacted The HSUS and said that the activity in the pen next door to him was akin to dogfighting. Throughout the past year, Okaloosa County residents documented coyotes being torn apart by dogs in their neighbor's pen.

Fox and coyote pens are cruel and should be permanently banned by the FWC.

Jennifer Hobgood, Ph.D.
Florida State Director, Eastern Regional Office