Virginia Hunt Clubs Propose Reward Fund for Reporting Abandoned Hounds

King William County officials consider ways to address growing issue of hunters leaving dogs after hunting season ends.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Hunt clubs in rural Virginia's King William County are proposing to set up a reward fund to encourage citizens to report people who abandon their hunting hounds after the end of hunting season. The issue has become a growing problem, with the local animal shelter taking in a large number of abandoned hounds in recent months. County officials are exploring options like microchipping, tattooing, or using cattle tags to help identify the dogs and hold owners accountable.

Why it matters

The abandonment of hunting dogs after the end of the season has become a major animal welfare issue in the region, with the local animal shelter overwhelmed by an influx of neglected and malnourished hounds. This highlights the need for greater responsibility and accountability from the hunting community to care for the dogs they rely on.

The details

According to King William Sheriff Don Lumpkin, hunt clubs have proposed setting up a reward fund that would be given to citizens who report individuals who dump their hunting hounds. The sheriff's office is committed to prosecuting the dog dumpers. Other ideas discussed include microchipping the dogs, tattooing identification on them, or using cattle tags - though some hunters are resistant to measures that could impact the appearance of show dogs.

  • In January 2026, the issue was discussed at a meeting of a committee made up of law enforcement, landowners, hunt clubs and the animal shelter.
  • Last month, the Regional Animal Shelter said it had 19 out of 23 dogs in its care that were hound or hound mixes, after taking in 5 hounds in 3 days as general firearms season ended.

The players

Don Lumpkin

King William Sheriff who discussed the issue with county leaders and said the sheriff's office is committed to prosecuting dog dumpers.

Alyssa Ellison

Director of the Regional Animal Shelter, which has seen a surge in abandoned hunting hounds and has asked the public to help be part of the solution.

Regional Animal Shelter

The shelter that takes in animals from King William and King and Queen counties, and has been overwhelmed by an influx of abandoned hunting hounds.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“A few weeks ago, the hunting clubs donated money and took food and supplies to the animal shelter. They made a recommendation of donating into a fund for a reward for dogs that are being dumped.”

— Don Lumpkin, King William Sheriff (pilotonline.com)

“Hunting with dogs has been a part of this community for generations. Along with that tradition comes a deep responsibility to the dogs who make it possible, dogs who are bred, trained, loyal, and eager to work beside the people.”

— Regional Animal Shelter (pilotonline.com)

What’s next

The King William Board of Supervisors is considering implementing a new county ordinance that would mandate the use of cattle tags on hunting dogs to help identify owners who abandon their animals.

The takeaway

This issue highlights the need for greater accountability and responsibility from the hunting community to care for the dogs they rely on, rather than abandoning them when the season ends. The proposed reward fund and other identification measures aim to address this problem and ensure the welfare of these hardworking hounds.