AP Exclusive: Activists’ video shows SC hounds repeatedly running at chained, declawed bear

Group wants SC bear hunters to call off their dogs

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Animal rights groups hope new undercover video of dogs running and jumping at a chained-up bear will prod South Carolina lawmakers into banning the practice known as “bear baying.”

The Humane Society of the United States says the videos released Monday exclusively to The Associated Press are from the group’s undercover investigation of several such events in the state.

The Humane Society says the practice is effectively banned in every state but South Carolina and harms the declawed, defanged bears psychologically.

Hunters say the exercise helps them train their dogs on what to do when they come across a bear during a hunt.