David Thomas, master and huntsman of the Dwyryd Hunt, has been convicted of running a horrific badger-baiting ring from his hunt kennels.
RSPCA investigators found an elaborate system of pipes, artificial setts and cages at the kennels – all built to facilitate the premeditated torture of foxes and badgers by dogs. The HSA is now calling for the immediate disbanding of the Dwyryd Hunt.
This latest incident follows the closure of the South Herefordshire Hunt after their staff were filmed throwing live fox cubs to the hounds.
HSA Press Officer Lee Moon commented, “This horrifying case highlights, yet again, how hunt personnel are routinely involved in the most serious and disturbing of wildlife crimes. In press interviews following the 2005 hunt ban, Thomas made very clear his intention to become a wildlife criminal saying ‘I’ve been doing it for 15 years and it’s something you can’t give up.’ Perhaps if Gwynedd police had acted against Thomas at the time then these depraved acts might have been prevented.”