Wynners and losers: Leading Fox Hunt caught out again

The video, taken on 5 th November near Wrexham, features the hunt’s employed terrierman Ryan Brennan – currently under investigation for causing a dog to enter a badger sett – and Alistair Johnson, a regular lackey for the Wynnstay.

The badger sett is on a public footpath in woodland known to be frequented by foxes. Normally, the hunt block up this particular badger sett with spades – a practice they have been found guilty of in the past.

On this occasion, however, they chose to simply stand on the sett to deter the fox rather than block it. This proves – yet again – the hunt’s intent to illegally pursue and kill foxes. The video also shows that several phone calls are made to both Brennan and Johnson – we can only assume from hunt staff Bailey and Crouch or even master Harry Wynn.

It is when Ali Johnson is standing on the sett that the hunted fox makes a bid for the safety of this refuge, only to be scared back into the woodland by Johnson who can be heard making noises and even saying “shoo” to frighten the fox away. The hounds quickly pick up the scent of the fox and set off in pursuit, later returning to the sett and pawing at its entrance. The fate of the fox is not known.

An HSA spokesperson commented:

“Fox hunts have always used a variety of preventative measures to keep foxes above ground and on their feet on a hunting day. In the modern era, these traditional techniques are combined with the use of mobile phones to communicate the fox’s movements – hunted foxes really don’t stand a chance.

This type of activity is yet another example of the blatant lies that hunts continue to spout about the smokescreen that is trail hunting. The HSA urge its supporters to task the new Labour government to make good on its pledge and ban hunting for good.”