General Chat

What you can do!

ENFORCING THE HUNTING ACT The Hunting Act makes it illegal to chase and kill foxes, deer, hares and mink with a pack of dogs. There are several exemptions, however, but these are clearly and narrowly defined. It can be legal to flush out wild animals using one or two dogs, or to use dogs below ground, in some circumstances. Birds of prey can be used to catch wild animals but their presence at a hunt does not sanction otherwise illegal activities. The following guidelines will help you determine whether any hunting activity you may see in the countryside is legal or not. How to spot an illegal hunt Look out for the suspicious activities detailed below, but remember that they do not count as proof that someone is breaking the law. Remember that to publicly accuse an individual of law breaking is, if not true, a serious libel. However, these signs indicate real grounds for concern and should be reported to the police or IFAW. If you send your concerns to IFAW, we can advise you on whether your suspicions may be justified. Suspicious signs when observing a hunt exercising its hounds 'Casting' (dispersing) of the hounds across a wide area of land or through woodland, gorse or thick cover, as if to allow them a chance to pick up a scent. The hounds running ahead of the riders, and baying (howling/barking) - a sign that a scent may have been found, and that the hounds are in pursuit. Baying hounds not being called off immediately, by use of a horn, physical contact (e.g. a whip) or verbal command. Riders posted at various points around a wood where more than two hounds are within the woods Suspicious signs when observing any form of 'drag hunting' Hounds following a scent across areas where the scent was unlikely to have been laid e.g. through crops, and across main roads, railway lines, thick hedgerows or domestic property. Hounds deviating from the drag trail, and not being immediately called back, by use of a horn, or physical or verbal commands. Blocked badger setts (it is now illegal for fox hunts to 'stop' badger setts to prevent foxes seeking refuge in them) Riders posted at various points around a wood where more than two hounds are within the woods Suspicious signs when observing stalking or 'flushing out' More than two dogs used in the stalking and flushing of wild mammals to guns. (Legally, only two dogs may be used.) The dogs chasing or killing a wild mammal. The dogs not being called off by use of a horn, or physical or verbal commands if any flushed animal is not shot. No reasonable steps being taken to ensure that any flushed animal is shot. Suspicious signs when observing use of terriers below ground More than one dog being used underground at a time. This is not permitted under Defra guidelines. Any fighting between the dogs and the fox Use of terriers by people unlikely to hold written permission from the landowner. Killing of a fox by use of a spade.

Dogs in a badger sett (it is illegal to enter dogs into a badger sett without a licence and only then in certain situations). In relation to badger setts, you can also contact the National Federation of Badger Groups - see www.badger.org.uk Reporting suspicious incidents If you witness what you believe to be a wildlife crime being committed, report it to the police straight away, either by ringing 999 or your local station. Police have a duty to investigate all complaints. If you can, tell police an exact location with a map reference as to where you last saw the offender(s). A landmark may be helpful in pinpointing the location. A brief description with particular relevance to clothing, implements they have with them, and any dogs etc. If they have a vehicle then the make, colour and registration number will be of great help. It may be helpful to write down exactly what you have seen. You can also contact IFAW on info-uk@ifaw*org or 0207 7587 6700 or one of our coalition partners - the RSPCA or the League Against Cruel Sports. Become a voluntary hunt monitor If you would like to become a voluntary hunt monitor the League Against Cruel Sports has launched an initiative to train people how to spot illegal activities and gather evidence (link to www*huntcrimewatch*com)

Just recently in our part of the world, two 'men' have been prosecuted over illegal hunting. But of course, pro-hunters deny this goes on. Seen it, been accused of being a liar (no point in lying about what I've seen). Used to be pro-hunt; since I saw what I saw, no longer pro. x Won't be adding to this thread again Rox! :-)

Nudge,for those country folk who think its awful:-))