Ereiam_jh
Well-Known Member
Hunting horror
CHILDREN were reduced to tears as bloodthirsty hounds and huntsmen on horses charged through Broxbourne Wood in a chase being investigated by Herts police.
A large pack of 30-40 hounds dashed past terrified dog-walkers and children on Saturday afternoon as they chased a full-grown muntjac deer while a huntsman blew his horn.
A shaken Broxbourne couple were walking their two cocker spaniels in the wood off Pembridge Lane, Brickendon, when they saw the hunt.
The man, who does not wish to be named, said: Children were crying. Its a thick wooded area. What they were doing galloping with 40 hounds, I dont know its ridiculous! There were a lot of people walking around with children.
An organised hunt from before the ban
He put his dogs on a leash, especially his golden cocker spaniel which he was worried the hounds might mistake for a fox.
If those hounds came across my dog I dont know what would have happened. A chap came through the woods I could see him through the trees. He was playing this little trumpet and calling the dogs back and shouting in a gruff voice.
There was a woman in black on horseback, sitting as proud as punch with a whip in her hand, who said they would not touch our dogs.
They were chasing a Muntjac and they were right on its tail. It was running for its life. I could not believe it. My wife was shaking. I am totally amazed!
The Hunting Act 2004, which came into effect from February 2005, outlaws hunting with dogs, particularly fox hunting but also the hunting of deer, hares and mink and organised hare coursing. The act does not stop 'drag hunting' where hounds are trained to follow an artificial scent.
Former Broxbourne Animal Rights and National Anti-Hunt Campaign chairman, Niel Hansen, said it sounded like an illegal hunt.
It sounds extremely suspicious, he said.
Two local hunts have denied any involvement in the incident.
The Enfield Chace Hunt hounds ceased to be kept at Birch Farm in White Stubbs Lane, Broxbourne, a few years ago after they amalgamated with the Cambridgeshire hunt. I dont know anything about it, said surprised joint master, Keith Newland.
Master of the Puckeridge Hunt, Diana Pyper, said when dogs are exercised they are kept under control and it could have been a drag hunt.
The nearest we get is Stevenage, she said. Accidents do happen, like a dog chasing a cat. If they saw a Muntjac they might chase it, but I cant think why they would want to go there.
Herts Constabulary confirmed they would be looking into the incident after being informed by the Mercury.
http://www.herts-essex-news.co.uk/news/mercury/hoddesdon_mercury/2006/12/22/hunting horror.lpf
CHILDREN were reduced to tears as bloodthirsty hounds and huntsmen on horses charged through Broxbourne Wood in a chase being investigated by Herts police.
A large pack of 30-40 hounds dashed past terrified dog-walkers and children on Saturday afternoon as they chased a full-grown muntjac deer while a huntsman blew his horn.
A shaken Broxbourne couple were walking their two cocker spaniels in the wood off Pembridge Lane, Brickendon, when they saw the hunt.
The man, who does not wish to be named, said: Children were crying. Its a thick wooded area. What they were doing galloping with 40 hounds, I dont know its ridiculous! There were a lot of people walking around with children.
An organised hunt from before the ban
He put his dogs on a leash, especially his golden cocker spaniel which he was worried the hounds might mistake for a fox.
If those hounds came across my dog I dont know what would have happened. A chap came through the woods I could see him through the trees. He was playing this little trumpet and calling the dogs back and shouting in a gruff voice.
There was a woman in black on horseback, sitting as proud as punch with a whip in her hand, who said they would not touch our dogs.
They were chasing a Muntjac and they were right on its tail. It was running for its life. I could not believe it. My wife was shaking. I am totally amazed!
The Hunting Act 2004, which came into effect from February 2005, outlaws hunting with dogs, particularly fox hunting but also the hunting of deer, hares and mink and organised hare coursing. The act does not stop 'drag hunting' where hounds are trained to follow an artificial scent.
Former Broxbourne Animal Rights and National Anti-Hunt Campaign chairman, Niel Hansen, said it sounded like an illegal hunt.
It sounds extremely suspicious, he said.
Two local hunts have denied any involvement in the incident.
The Enfield Chace Hunt hounds ceased to be kept at Birch Farm in White Stubbs Lane, Broxbourne, a few years ago after they amalgamated with the Cambridgeshire hunt. I dont know anything about it, said surprised joint master, Keith Newland.
Master of the Puckeridge Hunt, Diana Pyper, said when dogs are exercised they are kept under control and it could have been a drag hunt.
The nearest we get is Stevenage, she said. Accidents do happen, like a dog chasing a cat. If they saw a Muntjac they might chase it, but I cant think why they would want to go there.
Herts Constabulary confirmed they would be looking into the incident after being informed by the Mercury.
http://www.herts-essex-news.co.uk/news/mercury/hoddesdon_mercury/2006/12/22/hunting horror.lpf
