Fitzwilliam Huntsman Guilty of Illegal Hunting

Hunt Saboteurs Association News Release 4^th April 2018

The trial of John Mease and the, now retired, Fitzwilliam huntsman George Adams took place at Peterborough Magistrates court yesterday and today. The offences related to the death of a fox close to Wansford on New Years Day 2016. Sabs from several local groups attended and witnessed the hunt kill the fox and it was their evidence from both statements and video footage which secured the conviction along with Professor Stephen Harris acting as expert witness. The trial ended a long period of delays and court politics as the Countryside Alliance tried to scupper this high profile trial at every turn.

Lee Moon, Spokesperson for the Hunt Saboteurs Association, stated:

“To anyone who witnessed the events on the day in question it was abundantly clear that a wild mammal was hunted and killed illegally, in a most gruesome manner. Although a fox had to suffer and die due to the blatant and remorseless actions of the defendants we are pleased that hunt saboteurs were able to bring at least one of them (Huntsman at the time, Geroge Adams) to justice and would like to thank Cambridgeshire police who conducted a robust and unbiased investigation.

The loopholes and exemptions in the current act have always been cynically exploited by hunts in order to operate much as they would have done prior to the ban. The guilty verdict today proves that hunting with a full pack of hounds is not the same as Falconry and the judge in summing up confirmed as much. The outcome today will of course have wider reaching implications for all those hunts around the country who claim to use this exemption.

We will continue to vigorously oppose those who gain enjoyment from the torture and killing of our wildlife and will use all the tools at our disposal to those ends. We have the overwhelming support of the general public who wish to see an end to the barbaric minority pass time.”