QUICK NEWS
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Dorset huntsman convicted of ABH & assault
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Rutland huntsman’s court case postponed
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Cheshire hunt follower to pay compensation
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Dorset hunt violence
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Drone films Dorset hunt killing fox
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Police attend as Welsh hunt chases foxes
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Two Somerset stag hunts: three dead stags
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Police attend hare hunt
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Hare coursers convicted and fined
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Sabs cleared after arrest following hunt accusations
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Hunt leaves the BHSA, citing ‘disrepute by association’
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Locals concerned about Dorset hunt kennels
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Protect the Wild founder completes 24-hour fundraising walk
TOP STORIES
COURTS / CONVICTIONS
George Pierce, Huntsman with the Blackmore and Sparkford Vale Hunt, pleaded guilty to Actual Bodily Harm and Assault by Beating at Weymouth Magistrates’ Court on 20/08/25. Both charges relate to the same victim. On 20/01/25, Pierce deliberately rode his horse at a sab, causing a broken toe and soft tissue damage. Three days later, he stamped on the sab’s other toe.
Pierce was fined £653, ordered to pay £85 in CPS costs, a £261 victim surcharge, and £100 compensation to the victim — a total of £1,099.
This follows April’s guilty convictions of both Pierce and Connor McGrath (Whipper-in) for the BSV’s killing of the Pelsham Fox in December 2023.
The case concerning Cottesmore Hunt Huntsman Sam Jones — charged with hunting a wild mammal with dogs — was due to be heard on Tuesday 09/09/25 but has been postponed until 4–5 February 2026.
Cheshire Hunt supporter Reece Welsh, who attacked a protester on Boxing Day, has been ordered to pay £100 compensation to his victim. With a £200 fine, £80 victim surcharge, and £300 court costs, his Boxing Day aggression has cost him £680.
HUNT VIOLENCE
Weymouth Animal Rights report violence during a joint operation with North Dorset Hunt Sabs, Wildlife Crime Action, and Dorset Against Blood Sports, when monitoring the Portman Hunt on Saturday 30/08/25. The incidents included an attack on a lone female sab and one group’s car tyre being slashed.
POLICE / ILLEGAL HUNTING / KILLS
FOX KILLS
North Dorset Hunt Sabs report that the Cattistock Hunt killed a fox on Tuesday 26/08/25. The Hunt was filmed by a drone, unaware of its presence due to their own noise. The incident is now recorded on camera and Dorset Police are involved.
The Cattistock Hunt Huntsman, Will Gibson Flemming — who helped organise the BHSA’s first ‘National Trail Hunting Day’ (14/09/24) — is now caught on film doing anything but trail hunting.
The landowner where the kill occurred is Charlotte Townshend, also owner of Abbotsbury Swannery.
The Welsh Border Wildlife Protectors report that the Wynnstay Hunt spent much of Monday 01/09/25 hunting foxes. Police attended and spoke to Huntsman Henry Bailey. Video evidence of criminal activity will be provided.
With the so-called ‘Autumn Season’ underway, sab groups nationwide are reporting cub hunting, as hunts surround copses, coverts, and crop fields, send in hounds, and make noise to prevent cubs from escaping.
STAG KILLS
On 21/08/25, the Devon and Somerset Staghounds hosted the Princess Anne Hunt from America. A stag was selected, chased for three hours over Exmoor until exhausted by heat and exertion, then shot. Its body was carved up, with parts reportedly taken to America as trophies.
On 26/08/25, the Devon and Somerset Staghounds hunted a stag to exhaustion, then allowed hounds to repeatedly attack it as it tried to defend itself. This torment continued until its death. South West Animal Rights Movement (SWARM) believes video footage exists and is offering a substantial reward for copies.
On 04/09/25, the Quantock Staghounds killed a stag, chased to exhaustion and then shot in the head at close range.
HARES
On 29/08/25, Three Counties Hunt Saboteurs stopped the Four Shires Basset Hounds engaged in hare hunting. Thames Valley Police attended, but only after the Hunt had left.
At Lincoln Magistrates’ Court (03/09/25), four men were found guilty of illegal hare coursing.
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Billy Joe Saunders: £3,375 compensation for kennel/welfare fees, £85 court costs, £114 victim surcharge, 60 hours unpaid work, 5-year dog ban
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Maurice Smith: £3,375 compensation, same costs and surcharge
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The Stanleys (family): 5-year dog ban, 60 hours unpaid work
All four were also given Criminal Behaviour Orders for five years.
SABS CLEARED AFTER ARREST
Members of the Severn Vale Hunt Saboteurs have been cleared of any wrongdoing after their arrest by Thames Valley Police on 18/05/25 for “threatening children and aggravated trespass”. They were attending the Radley College Beagles, interrupting them in their illegal pursuit of hares.
More here: Severn Vale Sabs on Facebook
COUNTRYSIDE ALLIANCE (CA) / BRITISH HOUND SPORTS ASSOCIATION (BHSA)
CA
West Midlands Hunt Saboteurs report that the Countryside Alliance (CA) has been distributing money to hunts, many of which have convictions for fox hunting. This raises further questions over the suitability of Phillip Seccombe — Warwickshire PCC and Countryside Alliance member.
BHSA
The Ross Harrier Hunt (Herefordshire) has withdrawn from the British Hound Sports Association, citing:
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Disrepute by association
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Expensive membership
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Draconian rules
It appears the Hunt is moving towards legal drag hunting.
KENNEL CONCERNS
Weymouth Animal Rights are urging locals near the South Dorset Hunt kennels (Bere Regis) to report any suspected neglect or cruelty to themselves or the police. They have received repeated reports of possible abuse of hounds.
PTW CHARITY WALK
Rob Pownall has raised over £26,000 for his charity, Protect the Wild, after completing a 24-hour sponsored walk around Parliament, covering 101.5 km (approx. 63 miles).
