Property rights and boundaries are routinely violated by hunters in Beaufort County, SC,  many coming from other states and counties to take advantage of our deer populationsand rural areas.  Every August through Jan 1 as deer season opens, the influx of Dog Hunters hits our county. Hunting activities are routinely allowed to take place right on road sides and on properties not owned by hunters, disregarding the safety and rights of local residents. Dogs are sent running though the woods by being released onto a property that a hunter may be allowed to hunt, say an acre, and then the dogs run loose in the chase across hundreds or more of acres and adjacent property.  The excuse is,  "dogs are dogs, they go where they go" 

What happens after those trucks and orange cladded hunters leave?  Dogs used for hunting are frequently abandoned if they fail to perform, left in the woods to die, or worse. Often the tracking collars still intact.... and if you try to save one of the ones left behind, who have been in the woods for weeks crying and yelping, by law they are given back to the owner.   This cruel treatment of animals is heartbreaking and unacceptable.

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has yet to address these pressing issues despite numerous complaints from the community. The odds of getting them to fine or ban a hunter is right up there with winning the lotto.  Why,  one reason is because they have to catch them in the act,  which means DNR has to be literally there as it happens.  It is essential for the wellbeing of both people and animals that immediate action is taken to ban dog hunting in Beaufort & Jasper Counties. 

Dog hunting not only poses a significant risk to the animals involved but also infringes upon the property rights of residents. It creates an environment where dogs are exploited, mistreated, and eventually abandoned, leading to increasing numbers of stray and suffering animals in our community.

A ban on dog hunting will help curb the abandonment and abuse of dogs and safeguard the rights of property owners. It will ensure that hunting activities do not disrupt the lives of non-participating residents nor pose a threat to public safety.

We urge local authorities and lawmakers to take a stand against this outdated and unethical practice by implementing a ban on dog hunting in Beaufort County. Doing so will demonstrate a commitment to animal welfare, property rights, and public safety.

Stand with us in advocating for this crucial change. Sign this petition to call for a ban on dog hunting in Beaufort County, SC.