There is never a dull moment as Hunt Sab groups across Britain continue to confront illegal hunting and wildlife abuse in the fields and in the courts. July was no different. Mid-summer is also the time where many of us can find some time to fundraise to support our operations for the rest of the year….and manage to have a little fun at the same time. Here’s a round-up of what’s been going on out there this month.
Devon County Sabs report that Eggesford terrierman Danny Pearce only received a police caution for interfering with a badger sett and killing a fox illegally. He received the caution for interfering with a protected badger sett and using a terrier to dig out and kill a fox on land he and the hunt had no permission to be on. Pearce is a gamekeeper for Lord Stucley’s Affeton Estate, which also hosts the criminal Eggesford Hunt. This is just one of several Eggesford Hunt-related cases reported to the police last season. Other investigations are ongoing.
Northants Sabs report that Cottesmore Huntsman Sam Jones has been charged with illegal hunting following sab footage from January. The trial is scheduled for 9th September 2025 at Leicester Magistrates Court.
North Dorset Sabs sabbed a Dorset & Somerset Bassets meet on July 27th, a hunt now facing court after being caught chasing a hare in Bagber last season. At this time of year they are out “leveretting”, the hare hunter equivalent of cubbing where the dogs are set upon the baby hares to train the dogs. Hares mainly give birth between April and October so all ages are targeted from the moment they are born.
They also confirmed the Blackmore & Sparkford Vale and Portman Hunt have been dropped from the Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show after the organisers were confronted about their hunting act convictions.
Surrey Hunt Sabs reported that the Surrey Union Hunt had been spotted with 10 riders near the kennels at 4:30am on July 23rd.
Geordie Sabs report that a member of the public rang distraught about 18 foxes being shot; It was reported to the police who confirmed the killings were illegal and are investigating. An additional report was made to the RSPCA about the Braes of Derwent whipper-in and another older man being a bit heavy handed with the whip.
East Herts Hunt Sabs were out daily during the recent heatwave delivering thousands of litres of water and food across Herts and Essex due to hard ground and drought.
Salisbury Plain Sabs report that at the RAH Puppy Show, emaciated hounds were shown by new kennelman Gary Wingar. New “president” Colonel (retired) Vicky Flood and demoted huntsman Charles Carter were present.
Sheffield Sabs raised £1445 at their “Rock for the Fox” fundraiser gig for the upcoming season.
Wiltshire Sabs hosted BAMPSTOCK fundraiser at the at the Barge Inn, Honeystreet with top performances and overwhelming support for sabs.
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