25th February 2019
Lactating Fox Hunted In Somerset Churchyard 23.02.19
Blackmore & Sparkford Vale Hunt hounds hot on the trail of a nursing vixen in St Peter & St Paul's Churchyard, Charlton Horethorne, Somerset on 23.02.19 Photo: Kevin Hill/Hounds Off/Somerset Wildlife Crime
HOUNDS OFF PRESS RELEASE MON 25 FEBRUARY 2019
- Hunters in Somerset were forced to call their hounds off a female fox because anti hunt monitors recorded the whole incident on film.
- At about 2pm on Saturday 23 February 2019 the Blackmore & Sparkford Vale Hunt chased the vixen through private gardens and the churchyard of St Peter & St Paul’s in Charlton Horethorne, just a stones throw from the hunt kennels. But Somerset Wildlife Crime and Hounds Off Monitors, equipped with video cameras, were at the scene and recorded it.
- Wildlife rescue expert Penny Little (tel: 07702 565598) reviewed their footage. She said, “I am confident this hunted fox is a vixen that has recently given birth to cubs as her teats are visible and show clear evidence of lactation.”
- WATCH SOMERSET WILDLIFE CRIME / HOUNDS OFF FILM HERE
- Footage shows a fox being hunted through gravestones and into bushes where by some miracle it gives chasing dogs the slip. Campaigners film also documents the moment when the nursing vixen tries to steal away unseen and is “hollered” by a member of the hunt (a loud, high-pitched yell to inform the Huntsman and his hounds that the fox has been spotted).
- Bobbie Armstrong (tel: 07572 495309) from Somerset Wildlife Crime said, “When the fox crossed in front of us we told a red-coated hunter to call hounds off. At this point they were right on her and it looked grim but the red-coat knew we had it all on film. He had little choice but to call hounds back and let the fox get away. It was all a bit tense for a while but we were pleased to be in the right place at the right time.”
- Foxhunting has been illegal in England and Wales since 2005 but hunts continue, claiming to chase a trail which they lay in advance. The “accidental” hunting and killing of foxes during so-called ‘trail hunts’ is commonplace and the law remains powerless to prevent this.
- Hunt Monitor Kevin Hill (tel: 07971 633182) said, “It seems pretty obvious that the Blackmore & Sparkford Vale Hunt were cheerfully and deliberately chasing foxes on Saturday and if we had not been there then they’d have got away with it. Think about it for a second. Who in their right mind would lay a trail through private gardens and a churchyard?”
- Bobbie Armstrong said she had spoken to the Reverend Sarah Godfrey, the Vicar at Charlton Horethorne. According to Ms Armstrong, “She wasn’t aware of the events of yesterday and was keen to see our evidence. The Vicar was grateful to be informed.”
- Hounds Off specialises in giving help, support and advice to farmers, landowners and rural residents affected by hunt trespass. Joe Hashman, Founder, said, “We can help the Reverend Godfrey if she wants to make the churchyard into a hunt-free wildlife sanctuary. All she needs to do is visit the Action & Advice pages of our website or ask us. The same goes for anyone else, anywhere in the country.”
- Somerset Wildlife Crime and Hounds Off Monitors did not see anyone laying trails, or even pretending to lay trails, at any time throughout the day.
Blackmore & Sparkford Vale Hunt hounds invade St Peter & St Paul’s Churchyard in Charlton Horethorne on 23.02.19 in persuit of a live fox. Photo: Kevin Hill/Hounds Off/Somerset Wildlife Crime
Fox is chased with dogs across St Peter & St Paul’s Churchyard in Charlton Horethorne, Somerset, 23.02.19 by the Blackmore & Sparkford Vale Hunt. Photo: Kevin Hill/Hounds Off/Somerset Wildlife Crime
A significant undercarriage is a telltale sign that this hunted vixen was nursing young cubs underground nearby. Photo: Kevin Hill/Hounds Off/Somerset Wildlife Crime
NOTES
In recent weeks the Blackmore & Sparkford Vale Hunt;
- was supposedly ‘trailhunting’ beside and across the busy A352 until after dark on February 19 2019.
- killed a fox ‘accidentally’ on February 9 2019.
- carried on hunting with horses and hounds two days after equine flu was confirmed at a local riding stables.
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55 Comments | Leave a comment
Rosemary Redding says:
Posted February 25, 2019 at 12:48 pm
Why are they still letting these monsters getting away with breaking the Law, I’m sick of the police, government, courts allowing these Hoity Toity to do what ever they like,
Pam says:
Posted February 27, 2019 at 7:15 pm
I totally agree absolutely abhorrent but they keep getting away with it they should be prosecuted why aren’t they
Jo Butcher says:
Posted February 28, 2019 at 12:39 am
Just to say I totally agree - all hunting should be stopped - since the Hunts purposely break the law frequently, and get away with it because it never gets any punishment meted out. It is sickening.
Julia Aldred says:
Posted February 25, 2019 at 1:44 pm
Why are the authorities allowing this to carry on with no convictions? Where it is quite obvious that the hunt are in no way following a prelaid trail, they should be stopped and immediately sent back to the kennels. The easy way to prove it would be terrier men with them, trails across private land, and setts arc blocked up. This is blatant breaking of the Law. If prosecutions are not brought, then maybe there is evidence of bribery going on?
Frances Button says:
Posted February 25, 2019 at 1:52 pm
I don’t blame the hounds it’s the evil, vile hunters who are disgusting, and they break the law ever single time they go out. Why are they allowed to get away with it, probably the police are in the hunt. Ban All Hunting, wildlife deserve a life just like the scum that hunt them.
Nik says:
Posted February 25, 2019 at 2:05 pm
Vimeo link under tag “WATCH SOMERSET WILDLIFE CRIME / HOUNDS OFF FILM HERE” is not working - think you’ve posted the ‘manage’ link as the video owner.
HoundsOff says:
Posted February 26, 2019 at 9:25 pm
Should be working now.
Michael Newman says:
Posted February 25, 2019 at 2:43 pm
The law should be amended slightly so the hounds must be muzzled.
HoundsOff says:
Posted February 26, 2019 at 9:24 pm
The answer is not to muzzle hounds. The answer is to stop the false alibi of so-called trailhunting. On a practical level (and we are not advocating this, do not misunderstand) hunting with muzzled dogs could be injurious to them as muzzles might get snagged or caught in thick undergrowth etc.
The muzzling conversation is a distraction from the fact that trailhunting does not exist. It is a false alibi used as a cover for illegal hunting.
Muzzling is not the answer. Muzzled greyhounds still pummel and kill hares in Irish coursing. Muzzles can come off, too.
Imagine the scene where a pack of muzzled hounds have pinned an exhausted fox, hare or stag…
Carole young says:
Posted February 27, 2019 at 10:49 am
That about the hounds beeing muzzled is a good idea and should be implemented. Those hunters say its accidental so they would gladly do it (of course they would!)
HoundsOff says:
Posted March 01, 2019 at 2:24 pm
We think muzzling hounds is definitely not the answer. Please see our comments in posts which suggest this earlier in the thread.
V says:
Posted February 25, 2019 at 3:35 pm
When is the law going to come down on these morons who think they are above the law? They have no respect for people or animals.
Trevor says:
Posted February 25, 2019 at 3:45 pm
What are the Police going to do about this latest incident?
HoundsOff says:
Posted February 26, 2019 at 9:22 pm
We shall see. It has been reported and they are aware of what happened. The Hunting Act is notoriously difficult to enforce but we live in hope.
Susan Wood says:
Posted February 25, 2019 at 4:16 pm
Thank you from the bottom of my heart foe all you do. X
Lesley Green says:
Posted February 25, 2019 at 4:27 pm
Only called the hounds off because they were being filmed. The huntsmen just don’t care about wildlife or even somebody’s pet cat.
Gail Meads says:
Posted February 25, 2019 at 4:27 pm
What’s a KO-FO
HoundsOff says:
Posted February 26, 2019 at 9:21 pm
Its ‘Ko-Fi’ and is a way of making a donation to support our work. Basically you can donate the price of a cup of coffee, or more than one cup. Click the link to find out more.
Dianne Cross says:
Posted February 25, 2019 at 4:36 pm
We have so much to improve on with education and protection of animals here in the U.S.A. also. My own convictions are tortured by all abuse…..and deeply by hunting
Patricia webster says:
Posted February 25, 2019 at 4:44 pm
All I can say is unbelievable no respect for people’s property or letting the dogs run loose in a cemetery bloody ignorant cretins hunting is supposed to be banned bloody joke these people are getting away with murder
Lara says:
Posted February 25, 2019 at 5:11 pm
How can an advanced people still perform something es overcome, outdated, cruel, inhumane and utterly stupid like a fox hunt. Sorry, I don’t get this and never will.
Janette Genge-Kennedy says:
Posted February 25, 2019 at 5:11 pm
I think animal hunting of all kinds is so barbaric & cruel, so I support what you do. I have been trying to buy something through your link but all I get is a message saying it is a bad link & cannot get through to you. Is something wrong with the link?
Hounds running through churchyards were certainly not following a set trail. I do wish something could be done to stop these animal hunts for ever.
Pat Robinson says:
Posted February 25, 2019 at 5:53 pm
If you have filmed footage of this atrocity the police should confiscate the hounds and theses excuse for human beings should be prosecuted and locked up for a long time.WHAT right have these sicko,s got to chase and toture these beautiful wild animals for ” sport” 😡💔😡💔😡
Rachel Biggs says:
Posted February 25, 2019 at 7:26 pm
Absolutely disgusting the hunting ban is not up held makes me so mad i go out ever weekend to protect foxes and stop the hunt . This right up is fantastic and im so relieved the out come was good . I’m slightly concerned about publishing that her cubs won’t be far because of her under carriage . The hunt will go and try and dig out her and cubs . As this is getting shared and publicly everyone can see this post including the hunt !
Joanne kelly says:
Posted February 25, 2019 at 8:55 pm
These pomus pricks seem to be forgetting fox hunting is banned.. and how disrespectful to allow their dogs to run all over the church grounds.. you need to get a life! You obviously have very shallow lives 😡
Debra says:
Posted February 26, 2019 at 2:20 am
This is disgusting.
One little fox hunted by dozens of vicious hounds, untrained by subhuman hunters to kill.
Lesley Green says:
Posted February 26, 2019 at 8:15 am
The hunt master needs to be prosecuted for allowing his hounds to run through a graveyard. He is responsible. It is an absolute disgrace.
Sandy Adams says:
Posted February 26, 2019 at 10:13 am
This scum will continue to thwart the law as long as the judges and people able to put a stop to these practices are themselves participating in the law breaking.
Annika Anastassiou says:
Posted February 26, 2019 at 10:53 am
I strongly protest to this sadistic, evil, tradition of hunting foxes like this, with several bloodthirsty dogs, and a specially this fox that is lactating!! I think that people who do this to animals are purely sadistic and have no empathy at all! We don’t need to hunt foxes, and certainly not in this cruel manner! Shame on you people who do this!!! Stop immediately with this fox hunting! Shame shame shame on you!!!
Joy hayes says:
Posted February 26, 2019 at 11:15 am
Thank you for all the brilliant work you do and for saving as many foxes as you possibly can. One day the law will ACTUALLY ban this out dated and horrendous so call “sport” and stop this cruelty to all our wildlife
Sean Scannell says:
Posted February 26, 2019 at 12:40 pm
Shut these creatures down for good.
Edel Jordan says:
Posted February 26, 2019 at 3:32 pm
This is disgusting. These sick *********************. They have no morals; to kill a helpless for sport.
benedict nash says:
Posted February 26, 2019 at 4:36 pm
Good on you saving the Fox. It disgusts me that these evil people will stop at nothing to further their vile practices
jane carter says:
Posted February 26, 2019 at 5:09 pm
this is so distressing to see this poor baby been pushed to the limits of stress and fright by these dispicable in humane people leave our wildlife alone they belong on our planet too
ann blake says:
Posted March 01, 2019 at 10:56 am
This vixen could well lose her milk or worse due to the stress, this disgusting cruelty has to stop. Do hope this Fox survives it’s ordeal.
Carolann Barlas says:
Posted February 26, 2019 at 5:19 pm
I am disgusted with all monsters who participate in hunting its time yo leave our wildlife slone and if my family were buried in this cemetary I would be livid and as for the Reverand as custodian of thus church she should be taking this further
June Humphries says:
Posted February 26, 2019 at 5:25 pm
This shocking so called sport short be stopped. Its barbaric and cruel.
Vicki monroe says:
Posted February 26, 2019 at 5:27 pm
Stop hunting poor innocent animals. They deserve to live as much as you. Maybe more since they are not evil!
Tom Byrne says:
Posted February 26, 2019 at 5:31 pm
They say there is no way to stop the hounds picking up the scent of a fox when they are following a man-made trail ?
Why not fit the hounds with muzzles, they can still run, and bay, they have no need to bite a man-made trail.
HoundsOff says:
Posted February 26, 2019 at 9:16 pm
The answer is not to muzzle hounds. The answer is to stop the false alibi of so-called trailhunting. On a practical level (and we are not advocating this, do not misunderstand) hunting with muzzled dogs could be injurious to them as muzzles might get snagged or caught in thick undergrowth etc.
The muzzling conversation is a distraction from the fact that trailhunting does not exist. It is a false alibi used as a cover for illegal hunting.
Muzzling is not the answer. Muzzled greyhounds still pummel and kill hares in Irish coursing. Muzzles can come off, too.
Imagine the scene where a pack of muzzled hounds have pinned an exhausted fox, hare or stag…
Kathleen Bland says:
Posted February 26, 2019 at 5:58 pm
Words fail me.!!! I am totally stunned as to why this Hunt hasn’t been prosectued for hunting foxes ..
Please be sure to send this video to local and national newspapers, local and national T.V. stations, your M.P., the P.M, and any others you can think of..
Blatantly ignoring the law.. the rest of us have to obey the law.. .
Al Mills says:
Posted February 26, 2019 at 6:01 pm
Why aren’t the police upholding the law. This is not a sport it’s barbaric & cruel 😡
John Davies says:
Posted February 26, 2019 at 6:02 pm
These people really are the dregs of society, the scum of the earth that use a pack of dogs to hunt one fox.
I would love to **************** and then see how they like it when their own dogs turn on them.
It’s about time the government enforced the ban.
Laraine Mallalieu says:
Posted February 26, 2019 at 6:49 pm
Disgraceful that this happened & even more so that the law is never upheld against these moronic *******!
Carol Breton says:
Posted February 26, 2019 at 7:17 pm
I’m simply heartbroken to see this how could they be so cruel this poor mummy fox is so lucky to be alive for her babies thanks to you wonderful wildlife protectors I have tears in my eyes over this horrific behaviour but thank goodness she will be safe now down to you wonderful caring people I can’t thank you enough you are so appreciated.
Barbaric horrible bastards says:
Posted February 26, 2019 at 8:28 pm
🖕🏽👹
Theo Davis says:
Posted February 26, 2019 at 8:38 pm
This is illegal ! Why is it still happening ?
Susan says:
Posted February 26, 2019 at 8:58 pm
What a disgusting lot of things these lot are they are not fit to walk the earth,trash smells better than them,they all need ************.
Janice Williams says:
Posted February 26, 2019 at 9:03 pm
Disgusting..where is the respect for other peoples property and legal rights
Duncan says:
Posted February 27, 2019 at 8:34 am
Foxes give birth late March!
HoundsOff says:
Posted March 01, 2019 at 2:22 pm
The dates when vixens give birth are not set in stone, Duncan.
Kacey Taylor says:
Posted February 27, 2019 at 11:35 am
Foxes often run past me whilst visiting my mothers grave. Beautiful to see thankfully
no fox hunting near where I live. My dog will just lay and watch them whilst I am there. I have two horses in the field next to the church yard and I am more than happy to see the foxes running through there too.
If ever there were a fox hunt around here they most certainly would not be welcome on our land.
Jo Butcher says:
Posted February 28, 2019 at 12:39 am
Just to say I totally agree - all hunting should be stopped - since the Hunts purposely break the law frequently, and get away with it because it never gets any punishment meted out. It is sickening.
Heather Rowe says:
Posted March 01, 2019 at 8:40 pm
This is truly shocking and disturbing. My first thought goes out to the terrified fox. My second thought goes out to the fact I could have been walking through this grave yard with young children.
SBennett says:
Posted March 14, 2019 at 2:45 pm
This has made the front page of the Western Gazzette……….unbias and quiter heart rendering report.