Protestors claim fox was killed by dogs on hunt near Paddock Wood
TENSIONS between anti-hunt protesters and hunt supporters have escalated following claims a fox was killed by hounds in Paddock Wood countryside at the weekend.
Protesters, keen to see if groups have been flouting the 2004 ban, said they were prevented from following riders as they entered fields close to Pike Fish Lane.
Prominent anti-hunting campaigner Dave Wetton then claimed hounds had been used to kill a fox during the meet on Saturday, organised from the nearby Upper Fowle Hall Farm.
He said: "The leading redcoats blocked the road to delay us monitors from following the hounds into the fields."
Mr Wetton and other monitors from the Hunt Saboteurs Association were attempting to observe a joint meet of the Old Surrey, Burstow and West Kent Hunt and the Ashford Valley Hunt.
As the horses and hounds headed towards fields near Collier Street he claimed hounds were heard "baying" at around 1.30pm.
"We believe they had found a fox, or at least a strong scent of one. The baying went on for less than a minute before stopping," he said.
"Scents can suddenly disappear but we think they caught this one because the huntsman gave the standard single drawn-out blast on the horn, which signifies a kill."
Kent Police confirmed they were looking into allegations over dangerous driving and road blocking but said there was insufficient evidence to investigate claims a fox had been killed by hounds. Both hunts refused to comment.
Pressure to lift the ban on hunting with dogs has increased in recent months with agriculture minister Jim Paice favouring a change in the law.
Pro-hunting campaigners the Countryside Alliance said the term "monitor" was misleading and claimed activists often wearing hoodies and black jumpers were a cause of growing anxiety.
Spokesman Michelle Nudds said: "They often trespass and this is not acceptable to farmers. If it is not a public right of way they do not have permission to go there.
"This is why the tensions arise."
She added: "The hunts are looking to hunt within the law and they use a number of runners who are very visible."
Mr Wetton accused the hunt parties of using fox scent trails which he claimed endangered foxes near the hunt.
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by sadreality
Monday, January 16 2012, 7:43PM
“To further explore the myths and realities of Fox-hunting look at the Internet sites 'Save Me' set up by Brian May and 'Protect our Wild Animals' (POWA). They make for fascinating and enlightening reading.”
by MrSwing
Sunday, January 15 2012, 8:06AM
“....with the 50/50 possibility that the fox will escape.I think the chicken ripped apart by the fox would take those odds any day of the week.”
by sadreality
Saturday, January 14 2012, 6:32PM
“Fox-hunting invokes a fox being cruelly chased for up to 90 minutes over a distance of miles by a group of law breaking sadists.”
by MrSwing
Saturday, January 14 2012, 1:25PM
“Dave Wetton is just making it up as he goes to further his extreme views.
Unless the fox is kept in check by its only predator (man) their population will get out of control and will have a drastic impact on its prey species.Perhaps Dave and his mates only want to save little foxy woxy and all other wildlife can be wiped out.Not very animal friendly really.”
by Ian_Hunter
Friday, January 13 2012, 3:50PM
“So far today I have seen people speeding, driving while on the phone, dropping litter, and also seen a fox run over. The first three of these are actual criminal offences but I have not reported them to a news paper or the police - perhaps I should have. The forth actually resulting in a fox definately being killed, but no one appeared to care.
This story appears to say "I think something may have happened over there, but 'm not sure and actually have no evidence either" not sure why it is a story or why the police would get involved.
As to hunt monitors why don't they do something usefull like monitor road crossings for children outside schools, or even actual criminals who have been released who are a potential danger to society. If they are actually interested in animal welfare then there are many better ways to help foxes.
Of course if this is actually about the people on horses and not really foxes then it does say alot about the "monitors", perhaps they are the menace to society. A bit like having someone wait outside your house to follow you during the day just incase you break the law? Would that be Ok?”