Weally Good News: the Demise of the Wealden Mink Hounds

The Hunt Saboteurs Association is pleased to be able to confirm that the Sussex- based Wealden Minkhounds have disbanded.

West Sussex Hunt Sabs reported last season that the Wealden Mink Hounds had vacated their kennel area at the Chiddingfold Hunt, and thanks to our sources within the hunting world, we can confirm that the pack have gone under.

The Wealden were formed in autumn 1979, making them one of the oldest packs formed specifically to hunt mink. While there were originally four masters, their leading light has always been huntsman Ian Roberts, a well-known face at fox and hare hunts across the south-east. When not bothering mink, the Wealden masters like to enjoy otter hunting holidays in Ireland.

The Wealden were a small, private pack for much of their existence and one of the most elusive hunts in the country. In recent years, however, dedicated local sabs put a lot of work into tracking them down and were rewarded on several occasions.

Mink hunting takes place in summer, when the hounds are taken on foot to a river or stream and encouraged to search for the scent of a mink. When the hounds find a scent, they will pursue the mink across land and water. If the poor animal seeks refuge in a burrow, it will be dug out or bolted by terriers and forced to run on; if it climbs a tree, it will be dislodged by the hunt supporters. This stop-start pattern continues until the exhausted animal is overwhelmed and torn apart by hounds.

Every time sabs found the Wealden Mink Hounds, the hounds were accompanied by a small crew of terriermen equipped with spades, digging bars and the other tools of their vile trade. On at least one occasion a hunt follower was filmed with an extendable pole – used for poking mink out of trees – slung over his back.

An HSA spokesperson commented:

“We welcome the fact that yet another mink hunt has shut down. As well as cruelly hunting mink and otters, these packs cause untold damage and disturbance to wildlife as they run their hounds through fragile river environments at the height of spring and summer. In recent years, concerted action by hunt sabs across the country has contributed to the demise of several mink hunts – those that remain are an urgent priority for hunt saboteurs.”