The Southern Shires Bloodhounds are appealing to H&H readers to try to find new kennels — to keep the pack together.
Their lease, with the Wherwell Estate near Andover, Hants, is not being renewed
at the end of September due to the estate’s greater commitment to its shoot.
Huntsman Marc Winchester has been looking for a new home for the 13½ couple of bloodhounds since May, but has not been able to find a permanent solution.
“The kennels we rent at the moment used to be a piggery, so a barn or old outbuildings would be fine,” said joint-master Charles Rogers.
“I think people are worried about the howling, but they really aren’t that noisy in kennels.”
The Southern Shires Bloodhounds were founded in 1994 and their country takes in parts of Hampshire, Berkshire and Wiltshire. This will be their 20th season — but there is a real risk that it may not get under way, unless new premises can be found.
“If we cannot find another kennels then we will have to disband the pack, which would be a great shame,” said Mr Rogers.
If you can offer the Southern Shires a home, contact Charles Rogers, tel: 07768 522855
This news story was first published in Horse & Hound magazine (29 August, 2013)
