Even though the people of Florida made their opposition clear, the state has chosen to move forward with a bear hunt. We are deeply disappointed that public opinion was disregarded, but if the hunt is to proceed, we call for immediate limits on the most cruel and dangerous aspect of it: hounding.

Hounding allows hunters to release up to six dogs at a time to chase, corner, and exhaust a bear until hunters arrive. This practice is barbaric. It is not fair chase, but a brutal pursuit that endangers both the dogs and the bears. Dogs can be injured or killed, while bears suffer immense stress and exhaustion before being shot.

Allowing hounding in its current form is reckless and inhumane. At a minimum, Florida should:

Ban the use of hounds entirely in the bear hunt.
If a ban is not enacted, strictly reduce the number of dogs allowed to limit the chaos, cruelty, and danger involved.
The people of Florida did not want this hunt in the first place, and permitting hounding only adds to the cruelty and controversy. By banning or restricting hounding, the state has an opportunity to take a step toward fairness, safety, and basic decency in wildlife management.

📢 What You Can Do:
Please take a moment to call, write, or email Governor Ron DeSantis and urge him to ban hounding—or at the very least, reduce the number of dogs allowed in Florida’s bear hunt.

A mailed letter is best, followed by voicemail, and then email. 

Key Points to Cover:

• Identify yourself as a registered Florida voter and citizen.
• Oppose hounding – say it is cruel, dangerous for both bears and dogs, and not fair chase
• Mention public opposition – Floridians did not want this bear hunt to begin with.
• Call for action – ask for a ban on hounding in the bear hunt, or at the very least, a reduction in the number of dogs allowed.
• End with a clear ask – urge Governor DeSantis to protect Florida’s wildlife and respect the will of the people.

Governor Ron DeSantis Contact Information:
Office of the Governor
The Capitol
400 S. Monroe St.
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0001

📞 Phone: 850-717-9337

📧 Email: Ron.Desantis@myflorida.com

Sometimes it may be difficult to get through to a person or leave a voicemail, but it should be easier now that committee weeks are about to begin. Please don’t give up—your voice matters.

Sign this petition and contact the Governor today to protect Florida’s bears and put an end to the cruel practice of hounding.