Less than a week after the government published its long-awaited consultation on banning the smokescreen of trail hunting, three members of the Vale of Taunton & Banwell Harriers have been charged under the Hunting Act 2004.
The three are: Ross Cordery, 45 of Highbridge, Wayne Greggory, 48 of Taunton, and James Parish, 31 of Uffcume in Devon.
The charges follow drone video evidence obtained by Somerset Hunt Sabs at Chilton Trinity on Wednesday 26th November last year. The extraordinary footage appears to show a fox darting from his hiding place to a small patch of scrub which is quickly surrounded by the hounds. The brave fox eventually makes a break for it and is pursued by the hounds: he heads for a strip of woodland, jinks left down a footpath and leaps over a wide waterway in his desperation to escape.
Somerset Sabs are hopeful that he made it safely out of the area. At the time their spokesperson commented:
“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.”
Today, an HSA spokesperson added:
“This case has only come to court because brave and dedicated hunt sabs put themselves in harm’s way on a quiet Wednesday afternoon in remote countryside. Sadly, similar scenes are playing out undetected across the country throughout the hunting season.
But we now have an opportunity to finish fox, hare, stag and mink hunting for good. Please ensure that your voice is heard in the government’s consultation – the HSA has produced guidance which you may wish to follow to ensure a final water-tight ban on hunting with hounds.”
The government has launched a public consultation on Trail Hunting – this is our chance to stop cruel hunting for good. You can read the HSA’s guidance and take part in the consultation here. The deadline is 18th June 2026 – make sure your voice is heard.
Take part in the Trail Hunting Consultation now:
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