Hunters Want Beagles Back, Balls Intact

LOUDON, Tenn. (CN) - Two hunters demand that Loudon County give their beagles back with their reproductive organs intact. The hunters say the county had no right to take the dogs in the first place, as hunting dogs are allowed to run loose.

But the county trapped and gave away two dogs, according to the complaint, and won't release the other two unless they are neutered or spayed, which ruins a hunting dog.

Teddy Lee Porter and Wilford Brewington say they were hunting on 200 acres near Brewington's home, with permission of the landowners, in early December 2009. Their four dogs disappeared. They say the Loudon County Animal Shelter trapped them.

"The plaintiff, Teddy Lee Porter, advised the personnel of the Animal Shelter that these were hunting dogs, which were on a hunt when trapped," according to the complaint in Loudon County Court. "Mr. Porter advised them it was not unlawful for a hunting dog to run loose while on a hunt or chase."

But the county animal control office refuses to the dogs back, and has given two of them away, according to the complaint.

Porter says he contacted a lawyer, who told him he could pay a fee and adopt the two beagles that are still in stir.

"When he attempted to do so, he was told the dogs would be neutered or spayed before he would 'bail' them out. He objected to this being done to his dogs, because such surgery ruins a hunting dog. He left without getting the two remaining dogs."

Brewington and Porter seek damages and injunctive relief.

They are represented by Jess Campbell with Campbell, Walsh & Brown of Knoxville.

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