A disturbing video purports to show members of a hunt releasing a “bagged fox” straight into a pack of hounds.
The police are investigating the March event that occurred in Somerset and was denounced by many in the hunting community.
A group of men from the Seavington Hunt are seen removing a bag from one of their quad bikes in a video captured by a member of the public and broadcast by ITV news.
The hounds are kept back until an animal, presumed to be a fox, is released, after which the chase commences.
The footage does not reveal if the animal survived.
According to the Hunt Saboteurs Association, ‘bagging’ foxes is a typical tactic among illegal hunts that want to keep their hounds “in blood” by assuring a simple kill.
The group said: ‘Terriermen dig a fox out of her earth, mutilate the poor animal – usually by slashing her pads – then stuff her into a sack.
‘The fox – injured, terrified, and completely disorientated – is then dropped in front of the hounds. She doesn’t stand a chance.’
Avon and Somerset Police confirmed to ITV News that a man in his twenties had voluntarily attended a police interview in relation to an allegation of suspected unlawful hunting.
The British Hound Sport Association denounced the behaviour of the Seavington Hunt and suspended the organisation pending an investigation.
However, this is not the first time this search has encountered difficulties. In 2014, one of its huntsmen, David Parker, pleaded guilty to hunting a fox with hounds and was fined £500, forced to pay £500 in costs, and assessed a £50 victim surcharge.
According to the 2004 Hunting Act, it is unlawful to hunt foxes with a pack of dogs.
Police also examined the group in 2011 when a video surfaced showing a fox being pursued along a railroad track by up to a dozen dogs.
The British Hound Sports Association said: ‘In March the Masters of Foxhounds Association (MFHA) was made aware of a serious incident involving the Seavington Hunt.
‘The MFHA unequivocally condemned this behaviour which was wholly unacceptable and would not be tolerated by any of the hunting associations. The MFHA committee immediately suspended the hunt and revoked the membership of its Master. Following a police interview the huntsman left the employment of the hunt.
‘The hunt remains suspended from the British Hound Sports Association, the new governing body for hunting with hounds, until a full enquiry is carried out by the Hound Sports Regulatory Authority, the new regulatory body that is responsible for disciplinary matters. This will take place following the conclusion of the legal process.’
The Hunt Saboteurs Association commented: ‘Releasing bagged foxes in front of hounds has never been legal, but to see it happening in 2022 shows just how mired in cruelty and criminality today’s fox hunters are.
‘If there is anything more sickening than the video itself, it is the hollow words of the MFHA and the so-called British Hound Sports Association.’