A Ban Well Overdue

Illegal Fox Hunting By The Vale Of Taunton & Banwell Harriers Caught On Film

Weeks before the government is set to begin its consultation on so-called ‘trail hunting’, the HSA today releases further devastating footage of illegal fox hunting. Somerset Hunt Saboteurs’ drone caught the Vale of Taunton & Banwell Harriers remorselessly searching for and hunting a fox just last Wednesday.

As the video opens, hounds are flushing a large area of thick scrub. Huntsman Wayne ‘Wingnut’ Gregory is already off his horse: typical behaviour for a huntsman who knows a fox is nearby and wants to closely direct his hounds.

The fox darts from his hiding place to a much smaller patch of scrub to the left. Gregory – now visibly excited – encourages his hounds to completely surround the smaller area of scrub to flush the fox. The hunt’s terrified victim eventually makes a break for it and is pursued by the hounds. Gregory and hunt terrierman James Parish also set off in pursuit.

Our brave fox – closely hunted by the lead hounds – heads for a strip of woodland, jinks left down a footpath and then leaps over a wide waterway in his desperation to escape. Somerset Sabs are hopeful that he made it safely out of the area.

Just like the Coniston Foxhounds at the other end of the country, the Vale of Taunton & Banwell Harriers are registered with the British Hound Sports Association, making a complete mockery of the BHSA’s claim to represent legal hunting.

Somerset Hunt Sabs commented,

“The drone footage recorded at Chilton Trinity is strikingly similar to the footage obtained of the Weston & Banwell Harriers/West Somerset Vale in East Huntspill last year, in the case where Guy Landau was found guilty of hunting a wild mammal. It was deeply distressing to witness what appeared to be blatant hunting activity and to feel powerless to intervene due to having too few sabs present. We maintained a safe distance and focused on gathering clear evidence, which we hope will once again support a successful prosecution.”

“We remain hopeful that the fox escaped, as the hounds continued searching for nearly an hour before the hunt finally left the area, looking dejected. With the strength of this latest footage, Avon and Somerset Police should have what they need to pursue further action. We also hope it contributes to wider efforts to push the government toward finally ending hunting with hounds.”

“I felt physically sick listening to the drone controllers running commentary as to what was unfolding in an area we could not get to, and it was absolutely heart wrenching to see the extent of Wingnut’s bloodlust in the footage. For him to be running with the pack as if he was one them, actively pursuing the fox, was deplorable. Over recent weeks he has climbed through hedges on his hands and knees and trespassed onto private property, all whilst ‘trail hunting’. Week in, week out, this hunt continues to flout the law. It’s time the government put an end to this barbaric outdated ‘tradition.’”

What can you do? This outrage would have gone unnoticed if Somerset Hunt Saboteurs had not been in attendance.

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