Festive fox hunts draw protesters (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Festive fox hunts draw protesters

4:19pm Thursday 22nd December 2005 in News

Anti fox hunting protesters will be keeping a close eye on hunts on Boxing Day when hundreds of riders and hunt supporters will be gathering for the traditional meet.

Members of the League Against Cruel Sports say they will be checking out hunt activities on Boxing Day to make sure they stick to the law.

"This Boxing Day the hunting fraternity in Wiltshire have a chance to demonstrate that they have given up chasing and killing wild animals with packs of dogs for so-called sport, in accordance with the law," said Mike Jeffries, a member of the league.

"Let's hope they have a day of totally legal activity, riding and following a scent as we have always said they should.

"The Hunting Act is a clear and enforceable law. Since it was passed by our MPs both the High Court and the Law Lords have dismissed attempts by the Countryside Alliance to have it overturned.

"The League Against Cruel Sports, together with our colleagues in the RSPCA and IFAW will be monitoring hunts across the country to ensure the law is complied with."

Wiltshire hunts say they will be adhering to the law, and pursuing only legal activities.

Traditionally the Boxing Day meet is a very popular event with hundreds of people turning out to enjoy the colour and spectacle of horses, hounds and riders.

The Beaufort Hunt will be meeting at Down Farm, Westonbirt on Christmas Eve at 10.45am with second horses at Charlton Down.

Their Boxing Day meet will take place at Worcester Lodge, with a collection for the Hunt Servants Benefit Society.

The Avon Vale Hunt will have its Boxing Day meet in the picturesque setting of National Trust village Lacock at 11am.

Hunt master Jonathon Seed said: "We will be flushing to the bird of prey and using a trail all legal stuff."

The Tedworth Hunt will meet as usual on Boxing Day outside the Bouverie Hall in Pewsey at 11am.