The abhorrent practice of fox hunting continues to plague the British countryside, perpetuated by individuals who derive pleasure from the suffering of defenceless animals. Despite the legal protections enshrined in the Hunting Act 2004, there remain those who flout the law with a callous disregard for life, as demonstrated by an incident near Sherborne, Dorset.
Officers from the Rural Crime Team are currently appealing for witnesses following a reported hunting offence in which a fox was pursued by hounds in fields surrounding Bishops Caundle and Alweston. The appalling event took place between 2pm and 2.30pm on Saturday, 1 February 2025. This is yet another example of the sickening disregard for animal welfare exhibited by those who continue to engage in illegal hunting activities.
Police Constable Sebastian Haggett, of the Rural Crime Team, confirmed that an investigation is underway: “We are carrying out enquiries into the report to establish what happened. I am keen to hear from anyone who was in the area and either witnessed the incident or captured something of relevance on camera footage.” The police have urged anyone with information to come forward, either by contacting Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55250015395. Alternatively, individuals can provide information anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers, either online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.
Fox hunting is not merely a relic of Britain’s bloodthirsty past—it is a continued demonstration of the psychopathic tendencies that exist within certain elements of rural society. The individuals who partake in this vile practice display a grotesque lack of empathy, treating the suffering of animals as a source of amusement. The calculated pursuit of a terrified fox, driven to exhaustion and ultimately torn apart by hounds, is nothing short of a sadistic spectacle.
Proponents of fox hunting often attempt to justify their actions with the tired argument of “tradition,” as if historical cruelty provides a licence for continued brutality. Others claim it to be a form of pest control, despite overwhelming evidence that fox populations can be managed through humane and non-lethal methods. In reality, fox hunting is nothing more than an outlet for those who take pleasure in the domination and destruction of weaker creatures.
While the law is clear, enforcement remains a challenge, with many hunts circumventing legislation under the guise of “trail hunting”—a” deceptive practice designed to mask illegal hunting activities. The Rural Crime Team’s investigation into this latest atrocity is a crucial step towards holding perpetrators accountable and sending a clear message that these barbaric acts will not be tolerated.
The thugs who hunt:
Public support is vital in ensuring the full enforcement of the Hunting Act 2004. Anyone who witnesses illegal hunting must report it to the authorities, providing as much evidence as possible. The courage of those who speak out against this cruelty is essential in dismantling the power structures that allow such barbarism to persist.
The time has come to end fox hunting once and for all, not only through stronger enforcement but also through a societal rejection of those who partake in such brutality. The perpetrators of these heinous acts must be recognised for what they are—individuals lacking the most fundamental qualities of compassion and humanity. Their pleasure in suffering is an affront to decency and a stain on the countryside they claim to cherish.
Justice for the hunted is long overdue. Let us ensure that these crimes do not go unpunished and that future generations inherit a Britain free from the grip of such wanton cruelty.