Retired Greyhound and bunnies

borich_planner · 14 Jan 2010 at 21:07

A farmer friend has a real problem with bunnies and we got talking today and he told me to bring my retired greyhound down to one his many fields which are almost overrun by bunnies. My ex racer is damn quick, but just a bit worried if she would just chase the bunnies and not release about fences etc and do her some damange. Anyone here know about letting ex-racers loose onto the bunnies?

Borich

hsp70 · 14 Jan 2010 at 21:15

i'd be more worried about things the hound might not see whilst chasing them like rabbit holes on the ground. I guess with their training they are used to chasing target rabbits on tracks at top speed without being wary of obstacles. Can easily break a leg if he stumbles in a hole.

PhillyDee · 14 Jan 2010 at 21:17

You do know that a rabbit has a very powerful kick from its hind legs? The rabbits will just run down the holes anyway! I would get a gun. Tbh, im surprised a farmer doesnt know someone who would shoot them for him!

borich_planner · 14 Jan 2010 at 21:17

yeah my worry, i know she'd love to chase things, but the uneven ground etc, still I can always use the CZ rimefire to take a few bunnies down for her to eat.

Borich

borich_planner · 14 Jan 2010 at 21:18

PhillyDee said:
You do know that a rabbit has a very powerful kick from its hind legs? The rabbits will just run down the holes anyway! I would get a gun. Tbh, im surprised a farmer doesnt know someone who would shoot them for him!

I think the farmer fancies a change, and hes a big fan of greyhounds.

Borich

TipTop · 14 Jan 2010 at 21:21

Don't risk your dog's wellbeing.

Meatball · 14 Jan 2010 at 21:22

Go for it. It's a symbiotic relationship, your dog has a whale of a time killing rabbits and helps your farmer friend at the same time.

I have two young Whippets who can be gone for 5-10 minutes chasing squirrels and rabbits, they love it

. Sure I worry about them catching themselves on something but *touch wood* nothing has happened.

Have you seen the field in question and looked at the potential hazards?

'Wes · 14 Jan 2010 at 21:43

Sniper rifle is your friend, or you could mine the field.

borich_planner · 14 Jan 2010 at 21:43

Meatball said:
Go for it. It's a symbiotic relationship, your dog has a whale of a time killing rabbits and helps your farmer friend at the same time.

I have two young Whippets who can be gone for 5-10 minutes chasing squirrels and rabbits, they love it . Sure I worry about them catching themselves on something but *touch wood* nothing has happened.

Have you seen the field in question and looked at the potential hazards?

going weekend to check it out

Borich

DailyGeek · 14 Jan 2010 at 21:46

Careful, too many rabbits = higher chance they're carrying mixy, that'll do your dog more harm than good.

Dj_Jestar · 14 Jan 2010 at 22:30

I'm shocked there are no "THINK OF THE BUNNIES!!11" replies

The greyhound will be fine. Go for it.

theNude · 14 Jan 2010 at 22:31

POOR BUNNYS! awwww fuzzy little fellows, i have two pet ones!

Saying that i did go on a hunting and fishing expedition in South Australia 2 weeks ago and sniped off a couple, BOOM HEAD SHOT!

borich_planner · 15 Jan 2010 at 09:09

Bunnies just take nice if you get a young fresh one slowly cooked.

Borich

godinman · 15 Jan 2010 at 09:14

borich_planner said:
Bunnies just take nice if you get a young fresh one slowly cooked.

Borich

Not sure greyhounds are famed for there retriever qualities. Would be okay if you didn't mind it a bit chewed i suppose.

PapaLazaru · 15 Jan 2010 at 09:17

Do you muzzle your dog when out walking normally?

{SAS}TB · 15 Jan 2010 at 09:21

What your farmer friend needs is a group of you with 12 bores and hammers TBH

Cosimo · 15 Jan 2010 at 09:25

Your farmer friend has a business opportunity a small game shooting enterprise.

rmuir · 15 Jan 2010 at 09:30

I wouldn't bother if i were you, like has been said, there is every chance they are mixy.

Guy i work with has been training/racing greyhounds for the last 20 odd years. I've been out a few times with him and the dogs and he never let's them near rabbits.

Messiah Khan · 15 Jan 2010 at 09:32

I was going to say it may be illegal under the Hunting Act 2004. But it seems that rats and mice are exempt as they are classed as pests.

gjrc · 15 Jan 2010 at 09:33

rmuir said:
I wouldn't bother if i were you, like has been said, there is every chance they are mixy.

Guy i work with has been training/racing greyhounds for the last 20 odd years. I've been out a few times with him and the dogs and he never let's them near rabbits.

its a retired greyhound. he wont let them near real ones because if they do they realise the one going round the track is fake!

go for it. just be prepared for your dog to go wild and not listen to you as it chases everything in sight!