Three Counties Hunt Sabs learned last week that charges against Oliver Dale — master and huntsman of the North Cotswold Hunt — for breaching the Hunting Act have been dropped. While sabs are naturally disappointed by this outcome, it highlights precisely why the Hunting Act must be strengthened.
The charges relate to incidents which took place in October and November 2024. The three charges were as follows, in chronological order.
During a cub hunting meet at Slatepits, a fox was killed by Beechy Bank, near Hinchwick Manor.
Opening Meet at Springhill House: a fox was pursued by hounds from Toad Corner — an area where foxes have been hunted for centuries — before taking refuge in a quarry. Sabs successfully intervened to stop the hounds, but the huntsman regrouped the pack and continued searching for the fox.
Bow Meadow Farm, Laverton: an exhausted fox was relentlessly hunted as hounds were encouraged to continue the chase. Two weeks later, Oliver Dale assaulted sab Rebecca Forrester while she was legally monitoring the hunt using a drone. He was arrested a few days afterwards. Read more.
Three Counties Sabs commented:
“We have consistently sabbed the North Cotswold Hunt since 2010, and as individuals since the late 1990s. We formally established our group in 2012. Since the hunting ban, we have witnessed blatant fox hunting, blocked badger setts, dig-outs, the use of artificial earths, kills, and dangerous road chaos. Over the years, we have also faced assaults and threats from individuals associated with the North Cotswold Hunt.”
Thank you to Three Counties Hunt Sabs for this web post. For quotes and further information please contact Lynn Sawyer on 07891 639803. You can support their work here: PayPal
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