Interview of the Week
… with Samantha Keats, St. Anthony
Samantha Keats from St. Anthony with Beagle puppy Karma (Photo Samantha Keats)
What is the great tragedy with Beagles in Newfoundland?
Beagles are hunting dogs but when the hunting season is over, many of them are left to themselves in pens and lead a sad life. It really breaks my heart.
Beagles love to hunt, it is in their blood. But they have to be looked after properly when people are not hunting.
Sometimes Beagles are just abandoned in the woods when they are not good at hunting!
What do these dogs need?
Proper shelter, proper feeding, and es-pecially love: they should be treated like a family member. Often you find separation anxiety in Beagles when they are separated from people or other dogs or when they are moved to a different place.
Where does your interest in Beagles come from?
I have two Beagles, Sadie who is 3 years old and Karma, she is five months old. I had a Beagle puppy since grade 6. When it died, I was very upset. So I got Sadie. A few months later I decided to have another Beagle.
Beagles are best in pairs. I love Beagles. I think their big floppy ears do it for me! I adopted Karma trough Beagle Paws.
What is Beagle Paws?
It is a rescue organisation for Beagles. I heard from them when I was in St. John`s. Karma came from a hunter, she was kept in a pen with other puppies. The owner dropped them all off at Beagle Paws.
Why are so many Beagles not fixed?
Many hunters don`t spay or neuter their Beagles because they think if they are fixed they are not as good as hunting dogs. I don`t think at all that this makes a difference. This is just a mis-conception.
Does the new animal law in Newfound-land/Labrador help these poor dogs?
According to the new law – the Animal Control Regulation – it is illegal now to have a pen where the dogs are above ground, just with chicken wire under their feet so that the dog feces drop to the ground.
Which people are suited for Beagles?
People who are very active. Beagles have a lot of energy and they need a lot of exercise.
They are ranked one of the top dogs for kids. Beagles are really popular family pets.
What else should people know about Beagles?
They are very friendly, well-mannered, sometimes a little bit stubborn but very lovable. And they love it inside the covers of the bed!
How do you adopt a Beagle from Beagle Paws?
You can check out their website www.beaglepaws.org, there is an adoption list. You fill out an application form and then they contact you.
Thank you, Samantha.
Beagles Karma and Sadie from St. Anthony (Photo Samantha Keats)
Link to Beagle Paws, a rescue organisation. Click here.
Read the Highlights of the New Animal Protection Law. Click here.
