In the face of rising opposition to fox hunting in the United States and abroad, the Virginia Department of Games and Inland Fisheries has appointed a commission to "study the issue of hunting with hounds in Virginia to address modern challenges" and has called for "public input."

At its September 8, 2008, work session Middleburg's Town Council approved a resolution supporting the commission's key goals: 1) promoting hunting in Virginia that meets the highest standard of ethics and sportsmanship 2) ensuring that the tradition of hunting with hounds in Virginia continues 3) addressing the interests of hunters, landowners, and other citizens.

Central to the commission's work will be the adoption of a formal code of ethics, as well as new legislation, addressing landowners' rights, new game laws and regulations, the humane treatment of animals, and traffic safety.

In supporting the work of the Commission, Council noted: that fox hunting is "a part of Middleburg's rich cultural heritage" dating from the mid 19th century; that the Town is known as "the center of hunt country in the United States;" and that fox hunting is such a "major driving force" in our economy that a running fox is part of the town's logo.

At its recent sessions devoted to the articulation of a "vision" for the Town's evolution and development through 2025, Council strongly supported preservation of the area's "equestrian heritage" and the positioning of Middleburg as the "Horse Capital of America."