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Mudhol Hound has its day

Staff Correspondent

PROUD WINNERS: Lakshman Auradhi (right) of Melligeri village in Mudhol taluk and the owners of other prize-winning Mudhol Hounds at the dog show in Lokapur of Bagalkot district on Saturday.

LOKAPUR (BAGALKOT DISTRICT): It was a dog show with a difference that featured one breed, the Mudhol Hound, which is considered to be an endangered species. Organised by Bangalore-based Mysore Kennel Club, which is headed by B.C. Ramakrishna, in association with the Department of Veterinary Sciences and the Mudhol Hound Breeders' Association, the show was part of the kennel club's efforts to protect this particular breed.

As many as 255 Mudhol hounds took part in the show, and `Raja', belonging to Lakshman Auradhi of Melligeri in Mudhol taluk, was judged overall champion. His prize consisted of 5 g of gold and a championship shield.

The same hound won a prize at the national-level championship held in Chennai three months ago.

While Havlya, a Mudhol Hound belonging to Kallolappa Talwar, was awarded first prize in the male category, Julie, a hound belonging to Somesh Gasti of this town, stood first in the female category. Zilla panchayat president M.L. Kempalingannavar and Chief Executive Officer Ramanna Naik presented the prizes, urged the Government to provide more funds for the dog research centre in Mudhol.

`Efforts needed'

Dr. Ramakrishna, who is also editor of "Pet-India," a magazine dedicated to pets, said that the Mudhol Hound was one of the rarest of Indian dog breeds, and efforts had to be made to save it from extinction.

He told The Hindu that the hound was largely used for hunting.

There was no authentic information regarding its origin, but it was believed that the Mughals had brought the breed into the country in the 14th and 15th centuries and offered them as gifts to local rulers.

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