Hounds Off‭: Progress Report number‭ ‬1

Since September‭ ‬2011,‭ ‬hundreds of‭ ‬acres of land are known to have been made out of bounds to bloodsports,‭ ‬affecting dozens of Hunts nationwide.‭ ‬In reality the figure could be much higher because‭ ‬we have‭ ‬no system for monitoring Warning Off emails and letters sent by individuals.‭ ‬Hounds Off encourages autonomous‭ ‬action.‭ ‬We deliberately make no demands regarding feedback or membership.

Following‭ ‬26‭ ‬complaints regarding Hunt trespass during the season‭ ‬2011/12,‭ ‬Hounds Off offered practical advice and support in warning Hunts off land in twelve different counties,‭ ‬including:

• 170‎ ‏acres lost to North Ledbury Hunt after alpacas were attacked by hounds.
• East Studdal,‭ ‬near Dover,‭ ‬forbidden to West Street Tickham Hunt following a hunt invasion and fox killing in the village.
• At least seven‭ ‬Dorset‭ ‬properties banned to Portman‭ ‬Hunt in weekend of action,‭ ‬22/23‭ ‬October.
• Securing hunt-free zone status for‭ ‬a Yorkshire‭ ‬property where‭ ‬the family cat was killed in December following trespass by Staintondale Hunt.
• 15‎ ‏Kentish‭ ‬acres‭ ‬forbidden to Ashford Valley Hunt including woodland inhabited by foxes.
• Over‭ ‬300‭ ‬acres in Somerset and Dorset confirmed as Hunt-free,‭ ‬affecting at least two foxhunts there.
• Confirming the hunt-free status a‭ ‬227‭ ‬acre woodland Nature Reserve in Dorset following hunt trespass in November.

Leaflets and cards promoting the work of‭ ‬Hounds Off are available direct via the website or from the‭ ‬HSA.‭ ‬They‭’‬re perfect for keeping in your vehicle and handing to sympathetic or‭ ‬beleaguered‭ ‬landowners whilst you‭’‬re out in‭ ‬the field.

Hounds Off is supported by individuals and organisations from across the campaigning and political spectrum.‭

Hounds Off‭ ‬encourages the creation of hunt-free‭ ‬sanctuaries‭ ‬to stop the illegal hunting of wild animals with dogs in Britain via engagement with our website,‭ ‬www.houndsoff.co.uk‭‬.‭ ‬By following the simple process explained‭ ‬here,‭ ‬involving Warning Off notices being sent to the hunters,‭ ‬Hounds Off is spearheading a campaign which invites everyone to join in regardless of who you are or where you live.

Please‭ ‬visit‭ ‬our website.‭ ‬Take action.‭ ‬Tell your family and friends to do the same.‭ ‬Support‭ ‬the Hunting Ban.‭ ‬Support‭ ‬Hounds Off.‭ ‬Be part of the people‭’‬s campaign against bloodsports.

Hounds Off,‭ ‬September‭ ‬2012