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Humane Hunters Hound Foxy Humans

'Drag-hunt' runners are hounds' new prey

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 16, 2008 11:08 AM CDT

(Newser) – England banned fox hunting with hounds three years ago—but riding clubs unwilling to give up centuries of tradition or the thrill of the chase are recruiting human prey, ABC News reports. The runners drag along a dead animal—road kill—to leave a trail for the hounds, and are paid $30 a day, plus "sandwiches, sausage rolls, cake, and hot tea," according to one club.

"I know some fairly left-wing people at Cambridge who think it's appalling that we hunt those who can't afford to have a horse," one huntsman said. "But that's really not the case." Runners who aren't quite fast enough don't get ripped to shreds the way their bushy-tailed predecessors would have been. Huntsmen say they're more likely to be licked to death by the friendly hounds.

Hunting foxes with hounds was banned in Britain in three years ago and traditonal hunts are turning to alternatives.
Hunting foxes with hounds was banned in Britain in three years ago and traditonal hunts are turning to alternatives.   (Getty Images (by Event) Individuals)
The human runners are more in danger of being licked to death than savaged by the hounds, hunters say.
The human runners are more in danger of being licked to death than savaged by the hounds, hunters say.   (KRT Photos)
After fox hunting with hounds was banned in England, some hunt clubs have turned to hunting humans.
After fox hunting with hounds was banned in England, some hunt clubs have turned to hunting humans.   ((c) Paul Keleher)
The Beaufort Hunt, Gloucestershire.
The Beaufort Hunt, Gloucestershire.   (Getty Images)
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