OUCH! While I personally keep my coonhounds inside (being that we have only two), I know plenty of people who keep theirs outside on chains. One of my best hunting buddies does this, and his in tact male coonhound listens better than most of the "'house dogs" in my neighborhood. He gets off his chain periodically throughout the day and follows my buddy around to clean kennels and just generally meander through the yard. He's also a high quality show dog, and a working hunting dog. He's not lacking for anything, including human interaction (they have a fabulous and very special relationship!) and he is CERTAINLY being fed!
Other friends of mine were primarily tethering their hounds as well, and they got off the chains plenty for training, hunting hard almost every night of the week, and traveling to hunts and shows. And yes, they're being fed, too!
It's statements like the one you posted that fuels these HSUS-type groups. My goodness! Go to the HSUS's website and watch the video about "hunting with hounds" - but with the sound off! Aside from photos of a few emaciated dogs that were from who knows where, and one yahoo slapping his dog with what looks like a long horse whip, all you'll see is bordering-on-chubby, ECSTATIC dogs pursuing game. Listen to the commentary and suddenly all the dogs are skinny, neglected dogs who never see humans except on few & far between hunting trips... it's amazing.