Cotswold Support Group for the Abolition of Hunting

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Submission of Written Evidence to Committee of Inquiry into Hunting with Dogs

February 2000

Contents: (to jump to a particular section click the link)

Part 1 - Evidence to Support Ban on Fox Hunting with Horse & Hounds

Part 2 - Personal Submission on How Hunting Affects Life in the Countryside

Appendix I - References

Appendix 11 - 'Hunt Havoc' articles

Appendix 111 - Sample letters from Friends of CSGAH

Videos

CSGAH - Living with the Enemy

POWA - Cruelty of Cub Hunting

POWA- Riding Roughshod

Part 1

Evidence to Support Ban on Fox Hunting with Horse & Hounds

FACTS ABOUT HUNTING WITH DOGS

Fox Hunting with Horse and Hounds - Nothing But A Game

The type of fox hunting with horse and hound that takes place in the Cotswolds is typical of the Shires in that it's primary purpose is to entertain those that follow the hunt especially as they pay quite high subscriptions in return for a good day out (appendix I, fig 1).

Excerpt from BBC2 documentary 'A year with the Ludlow hunt, 96/97' quote from the master, Rupert Inglesant 'Hunting for the majority of people who follow on horses is a leisure activity &, in order that these people can enjoy their leisure activity, the organising of the hunting has to be taken very, very seriously'

The most obvious evidence which shows that entertainment is the driving force (J behind the hunting activities in these areas is the fact that our local hunt, in common with many others in the county, meets on the same four days of every week, at venues planned at least one month in advance (appendix I, fig 2).

This is obviously not a response to a problem with pests but a series of planned events that require a steady supply of foxes to chase in order to be a success.

Excerpt from BBC2 documentary 'A year with the Ludlow hunt, 96/97' commentary 'The hunt is dependant on the ability of the hounds to find a scent. Without it there is no chase and Rupert's nightmare is that today they will find none'

The fact that both artificial and natural fox earths are left intact on land that it is regularly hunted over adds weight to the fact that foxes are not seen as a significant pest at all but, instead, are treated as an essential sporting accessory for the type of hunting with dogs that takes place in this part of Britain (appendix I, figs 3, 4a & 4b).

John Jones, gamekeeper on the Batsford Estate, Moreton-in-Marsh, Glos. told Shooting Times (15.4.99) 'For more than 30 years I have had to produce foxes and pheasants....if you are in hunting country you should always make sure there are enough foxes for the hunt' (appendix I, fig 5).

Engineering a Good Day Out

The first priority is to ensure that the paying participants are entertained so the activity is engineered from start to finish resulting in the welfare of the fox taking very much a second place. The hunt and the farmers that support the activity generally have a very intimate knowledge of the many natural and artificial earths in the area so they can make sure that a fox is found, to get off to a good start (appendix I, fig 5).

In order to avoid disappointment, it is common practice for earth stoppers to block the entrances to any underground refuge, the night or morning before a hunt, in the area where the chase is to begin. This ensures that the chosen target cannot dive for the safety of it's earth but is forced to run for it's life, often resulting in the favoured lengthy pursuit because, once out of familiar territory, the fox will not easily find a bolt hole (appendix I, figs 6, 7 & 22).

Close Season & 'Lamb call service'

It is important to stress that hunting with horse and hounds only takes place for half of the year. The opening meets for the start of the season proper are held in October/November and those to close the season take place just six months later in March/April (appendix I, f g 2)

Just as the majority of ewes are still lambing, pigs are still farrowing, poultry men still tending their flocks etc while, at the same time, vixens are giving birth and foxes are at their most daring with cubs to feed, hunting with horse and hound stops. This provides additional proof that this is not an essential form of pest control but simply a form of entertainment.

During the close season, a service known as 'lamb call' is provided where the huntsman can be called to bring a few hounds to track a rogue or problem fox to it's den for a speedy despatch. This is clear evidence in itself that the cruel chase of the fox and the associated risk of disturbance to surrounding livestock and wildlife is totally unnecessary and shows that the chase is instigated during the season purely for the amusement of those that follow on horseback or foot.

Hunts Unruly Behaviour

Visitors to the countryside are urged to seek quiet enjoyment, to respect livestock and wildlife and to keep their dogs under close control.

In stark contrast, we frequently see the hunts, over-excited, horn-blowing, noisily whooping and shouting with a herd of stampeding horses, a pack of sprawling baying hounds, a 'wagon-train' of followers in motor vehicles and all in pursuit of a wild animal that has been forced to run wildly for it's life. Not the best example of appropriate behaviour in our countryside, especially from a group calling itself 'guardians of the land' (appendix II).

Time and again we hear masters of fox hounds attempting to excuse the havoc caused when their packs run riot by saying that it is inevitable because where the fox goes, the hounds will follow. This unpredictability leads not only to chaos on roads and railway lines but also to injury and death of livestock, domestic pets and, indeed, the fox hounds themselves (appendix II).

Such behaviour causes much disquiet amongst those who live in 'hunting country', including those who consider themselves 'pro' (appendix II, fig 14).

RURAL ECONOMY

Fox Hunting with Horse and Hounds - A Part-Time Pastime

It is a mystery to those of us who are familiar with the activity of hunting with horse and hound how anyone could estimate that 16,000 full time jobs would be at risk if hunting with dogs is to be banned.

Excerpt from BBC2 documentary 'A year with the Ludlow hunt, 96/97' commentator 'Rupert has to run the Ludlow hunt with it's 7 staff; transport and some 70 hungry hounds on only £42,000 per year provided by hunt members. It is a frugal operation and, even with dedicated employees accepting low wages, the hunt has to find ways to make ends meet'.

commentator '..there are 200 hunts in Britain'.

Each of the six hunts that operate within an approx 25 mile radius of Cheltenham has between 2 and 4 joint masters but all of the masters we know are employed full time in another profession and the majority are estate agents.

Excerpt from BBC2 documentary 'A year with the Ludlow hunt, 96/97' quote from the master, Rupert lnglesant 'Being a master is just added responsibility. It's the price I pay to do what I want to do which is hunt foxes with a pack of fox hounds'

It must be fair to assume that hunting with horse and hounds for fun attracts the highest number of supporters but important to stress that this activity only takes place for half of the year. The opening meets for the start of the season proper are held in October/November and those to close the season take place just six months later in March/April (appendix I, fig 2).

Excerpt from BBC2 documentary 'A year with the Ludlow hunt, 96/97' commentator ' ..preparing for the opening meet of the season. It will be the first of 64 days hunting over the year'.

It follows, therefore, that associated trades such as saddlers, farriers, feed merchants etc. do not consider that they are dependant on this seasonal trade because, in reality, it is only a small proportion of a much larger market created by the myriad of equestrian activities that take place throughout the hunting season and all year round as well.

In his study 'The Hypothetical Consequences of Closing Down a Large Pack of Foxhounds' Richard Matson states 'There are approximately 600,000 horses in the UK and less than 7% of them are used for hunting'.

No Loss of Jobs, Horses or Hounds

An article that was published in the pro-hunt magazine Countryman's Weekly (appendix I, fig 8) tells of a gamekeeper and a terrierman who find they are without a fox for an important hunt meet so they secretly lay an intricate drag trail for the day. It is such a success that the Master calls on the gamekeeper at the end of the day with a reward of a bottle of whisky and enthuses 'What a marvellous hunt! He was a cunning old devil wasn't he?'

Straight from the horse's mouth, this shows that horse and hound are not invited onto farmland because it is an essential form of pest control but because it is a form of entertainment that provides an opportunity for the old tradition of 'exchange of favours'. It also illustrates that, in reality, the fox population is already being controlled by other methods and, clearly, it demonstrates that drag hunting does not have to be one mad dash across country, as alleged by fox hunters, but can be varied and interesting.

As it stands, there is a great deal of overlap between the fox and drag hunts with the former taking up so much of the countryside for their activities that the latter are forced to take a subservient role. Once fox hunting is banned, the drag/bloodhound packs will be able to fulfil their true potential with a fresh, clean image where the participants will be seen to respect our wildlife.

An appropriate fee paid to landowners would ensure that the drag/bloodhound packs continue to have access to farmland. Other landowners and many horse riders, who currently will not take part because of the association with bloodsports, would be encouraged to join in, thereby sustaining the work for horse, hound and associated employees/industries but without causing unnecessary suffering to the fox. Fallen stock may continue to be fed to the drag/blood hounds.

Disposal of Fallen Stock - Hunt Kennels v Licensed Slaughterers

The most common method of disposing of fallen stock is either on-farm burial or the use of the licensed slaughterer/knackerman. Prior to the proposed ban on hunting with dogs, any articles appearing in the farming press covering the disposal of fallen stock did not even mention hunt kennels because, in reality, they do not play a significant part(appendixI,fg9, 10a, 10b, 10c).

On the Continent, fallen stock must be sent directly to dedicated rendering plants to ensure that the meat from diseased animals does not enter the food chain so the UK's knacker industry is already the subject of much criticism in spite of the tight controls under which it operates (appendix I, fig fig 9, 10a, 10b, 10c).

With this in mind, it is surely irresponsible to allow another body in the form of hunt kennel staff to handle such potentially dangerous material, feeding it raw to their hounds even though it is an offence under the Dogs Act 1906 to leave carcasses where dogs can gain access (Code of Good Agricultural Practice, MAFF).

Excerpt from BBC2 documentary 'A year with the Ludlow hunt, 96/97'scene at the flesh house - carcasses are left exposed on concrete pad at front of building where skinning also takes place. Terrier is shown pulling pieces from skinned carcass hanging on hook. Raw carcasses are strewn on floor of another building into which hounds are fetched for feeding

The best alternative for farmers to is to install a specially constructed container into which the whole bodies of dead animals are placed and a bacterial starter is added for speedy decomposition. This prevents disease transmission, prevents pollution and provides traceability of deadstock (appendix I, fig 11).

Preparing for Invasion

Many farmers, smallholders and local residents have found themselves witnessing or being involved in unpleasant incidents caused by the shock waves of hunting with horse and hound. Consequently, they are obliged to spend a great deal of time and money moving pregnant ewes, stabling horses and gathering up pets in an effort to avoid the damage that can occur when hounds run out of control (appendix II, figs 13, 6, 13-17).

In contrast, drag hunting follows an artificial trail on a predetermined route which can be agreed in advance with those likely to be affected by the activity and greatly reduces the risk of disruption and trespass.

A ban on fox hunting and a change to drag hunting would save many people in rural areas a great deal of time and money with the added bonus of some peace of mind, particularly as no unnecessary suffering will be caused to a live target.

AGRICULIURE AND PEST CONTROL

The Fox - Not a Significant Pest

Figures published by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in their booklet 'Lamb Survival' show that 95% of lamb deaths are due to abortions/stillbirths, exposure/starvation, infectious diseases and congenital defects. The remaining 5% include misadventure as well as predation (appendix I, fig 12).

The fox is clearly not a significant pest but the common sense recommendation from the MAFF is that all lamb losses can be reduced by improving husbandry techniques to ensure that the ewes are in good condition thereby reducing the number of weak lambs who are most at risk.

Management of Stock and Deterrents

Foxes can be a welcome addition on a farm because they prey on other 'pest' species such as mice, voles, rats and rabbits. It is estimated that 18 rabbits will consume the same pasture in a year that will sustain an average ewe so sensible livestock farmers look to accommodate the fox on their farms.

Good management of stock and the use of deterrents are by far the most sensible approach to deal with any pest. Poultry keepers make good use of sturdy accommodation to protect their birds and electric fencing is used to good effect by poultrymen, pigmen and by gamekeepers to protect their young pheasants for the shoots (appendix I, fig 13 & 14).

Bearing in mind that guard animals such as llamas are used successfully in Canada and America to protect sheep flocks against attack by coyote and wolves then we should be embarrassed to have a hunting lobby in this country that makes such a fuss about the fox (appendix I, figs 15 & 16).

Irrelevance and Ineffectiveness of Hunting with Dogs

It is stated that 12,500 foxes are killed by hunts each year compared to 100,000 killed by shooting (Hansard 29.1.92). It is obvious from this and from the fact that the hunts have a close season from March/April thru to October/November that hunting with hounds is ineffective and an irrelevance compared to other methods of control that are already in existence.

The hunting reports submitted by individual hunts to the magazine Horse and Hound describe in detail their day's hunting. Invariably, they tell of the fox being subjected to a extremely long pursuit and frequently end by saying the fox 'was given best' or, in other words, allowed to live to be chased another day. The long chases show how the fox is unnecessarily abused and the fact that they do escape after such torment shows that it is an ineffective means of pest control (appendix I, figs, 6, 7, 17).

SOCIAL AND CULTURAL LIFE OF THE COUNTRYSIDE

Hunters - The Rural 'Mafia'

The fact that the Cotswold Support Group for the Abolition of Hunting exists to offer moral support and practical advice to those troubled by hunting and is asked by local people to steward their properties or to monitor activities when hunts are in the area proves, in itself, that hunting with horse and hounds creates an atmosphere of trepidation and intimidation (appendix II, fig 6 & 7).

Areas such as these still hold vestiges of the feudal system when large swathes of the countryside were owned and controlled by the squire. There was no chance then of serfs seeking recourse when the squire and his hunting chums rode roughshod over them but times should have changed.

However, there seems to be a core element within the horse and hound fraternity that believes they are still above the law and at liberty to please themselves. This is reflected in a cavalier attitude towards the side-effects of their activities whether it be the blocking of highways with horses, hounds and followers or the number of incidents of trespass, disturbance and damage to livestock, domestic pets and property (appendix II).

Social Tensions caused by Hunting

Many people living in the country have learned by experience that the hunt cannot be trusted to behave considerately.

In December 1998, hounds from the Warwickshire hunt chased a fox into the grounds of a crematorium disrupting a funeral service and in February 1999 horses and hounds from the Heythrop hunt careered through the graveyard at Bladon where Sir Winston Churchill lies buried (appendix II, figs 4 & 5).

As expected, the responses from the hunts lacked any remorse or concern which supports the widely held view that any complaints made about their behaviour will either be treated with contempt or lead to acts of retaliation (appendix II, figs 6 & 7).

Add to this the arrogant and overbearing attitude of many hunters and it is no surprise that a large number of country people who want to see a ban, including tenants, shepherds, stockmen, farmhands and estate workers, feel it would be dangerous in their position to make their views known. The aggressive attitude of many hunt supporters fuels this atmosphere of oppression and ensures that their opponents think twice before 'rocking the boat'.

Our Group and others like it are determined to change this atmosphere and we have included a cross-section of letters from friends of the Group who are helping to break the silence (appendix III).

Hunting - Social Division

Many friends of our Group have stopped attending church because they cannot bear the hypocrisy of standing shoulder to shoulder with those who set dogs onto wild mammals for the sake of amusement.

Others who own horses will not join local riding clubs that are associated with the hunts nor join in sponsored rides nor will they join the local drag/bloodhound hunt because of the obvious interaction between it and the fox hunts. These horse owners would choose to do business with livery yards and tack shops that do not support hunting but these businesses do not feel free to advertise the fact for fear of repercussions

Hunting 'army'

The hunts behave and are generally perceived as a antiquated clique whose hierarchy appeals to the subservient nature of it's supporters.

Excerpt from BBC2 documentary 'A year with the Ludlow hunt, 96/97' scene - Rupert Inglesant, master, lambastes the Ludlow hunt supporters at a meet for not attending a talk given by Robin Hanbury-Tenison of the British Fields Sports Society - he does not allow the hunt to move off until all of those present have signed letters, to be sent to prospective MP's, complaining about the threat to ban hunting.

We have certainly seen no evidence to suggest that our local hunts have anything to do with preserving local amenities or that they are pivotal in organising local events, particularly as villagers no longer depend on the benevolence of the squire for their entertainment.

However, there is evidence that large numbers of horses, hounds and followers feel at liberty to congregate on village greens or in town squares and then career around our countryside without seeking the views of local residents and without a care as to the amount of upheaval this may cause (appendix I, fig 18).

MANAGEMENT AND CONSERVATION OF WILDLIFE

Hunts Slur on Farmers

It is a slur on the integrity of farmers in general for the pro-hunt lobby to suggest that they would fail to care for the land and wildlife in their care just because the game of hunting with horse and hounds had been banned.

Most farmers have a genuine interest in caring for their surroundings which are moulded by the type of farming that takes place. This, in turn, depends on the terrain and has nothing to do with hunting. The generous conservation grants that exist in the form of the Countryside Stewardship Scheme and the Woodland Grant Schemes mean that even the most mercenary hunter has no excuse for neglecting woods or hedgerows (MAFF Environmental & Countryside Grants).

CWS (Coop Welfare Soc) Farms are an excellent example as they own thousands of acres of well managed farmland, they do not allow hunting with dogs on their land and are currently sponsoring other farmers to encourage good conservation practices.

Hunt's 'Blackmail' Threats

The pro-hunt lobby's suggestion that fox, deer and hare will not be tolerated if hunting with dogs is banned is nothing short of blackmail and is a sad reflection of the mentality of those that hunt. This country must not allow itself to be held to ransom by any element of our society who happens to object to the will of the majority and we must put our faith in the farmers who do not support hunting - the true custodians of the land (MAFF Environmental & Countryside Grants).

Hunt Havoc

Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust manages nature reserves which by definition should be reserved for nature. However, they do not own the hunting rights on some of their land and so are powerless to prevent horses and hounds from creating havoc whilst hunting foxes in so-called nature reserves (appendix I, fig 19).

Thames Water is a major sponsor of the UK wildlife project Biodiversity Action for Otters and has created otter holts at it's pumping stations in this area. However, despite being asked last year by Thames Water to give one of the otter holts a wide berth, the huntsman and the hounds from one of our local hunts were seen recently on the banks and in the river surrounding the holt (appendix II, fig 8).

There are numerous incidents recorded which show that the hunts have no regard for the importance of tranquillity to many sensitive species and that they show no concern for the damage and disturbance they cause to other wildlife generally (appendix II, fig 11).

Hunts Disregard Ecology

If the fox population is left alone, their numbers are governed naturally by the year round availability of food in defended territories. They have a complex social system living in groups of one dominant dog fox and several vixens with only the dominant vixen producing cubs. The interference in this system caused by the hunts during cub hunting and the subsequent hunting season causes irreparable disruption and can result in more vixens producing cubs.

Provision of 'sporting accessories' for the Hunt

ANIMAL WELFARE

Hunting with dogs is Cruel by Design

Fox hounds are bred for stamina not speed and their skill lies in following a scent. The fox is a sprinter and not designed to run over long distances so it follows that the fox has to reach a state of tiredness or exhaustion before it can be overtaken by the hounds.

Killing the Fox

Any pack of hunting dogs tends to bring down their prey by a series of bites and tears to their quarry. Fox hounds are no different and it is deceitful of the pro-hunt lobby to claim that hounds kill foxes instantly with 'one nip to the back of the neck'. A British Fields Sports Society promotional film, after the cut-off point for public viewing, shows a fox being bowled over by hounds biting at his underbelly and still struggling while being savaged by several hounds.

The effects of a long chase on the fox cannot be ignored and claims that he is either killed or simply 'gets away' are naive. A number of extracts from pro-hunt publications describe the fox in a terrible state of exhaustion and James Wentworth

Day tells us in an article in Country Life ' they had lost a fox in the same drain several times that season. So the master had the drain opened up. Inside they found the skeletons of no fewer than ten foxes: all no doubt had died as the result of crawling into a damp drain when they were overheated for, in spite of their tremendous courage, tenacity and wiry energy, foxes are highly nervous, sensitive animals' (appendix I, fig 21)

The fox will naturally seek sanctuary underground but then the terriermen take over (appendix I, fig 24). Their job is to send their terriers into the earth to confront the sheltering animal. The terriermen will dig down to expose the fox and kill it but, during the time it takes to locate the fox, an underground dog fight can take place with both fox and terrier suffering injuries.

Excerpt from BBC2 documentary 'A year with the Ludlow hunt, 96/97'C.ommentary '.. 63 foxes were killed during the 96/97 Ludlow season but only 18 were killed directly out in the open. The majority were chased by the hunt into burrows in the earth then dug up and shot'

Scene - first dig out, three terriermen present, radio beacon is attached to terrier to track his progress underground, dig takes 15 minutes and is described as 'short'. Terrier's posture suggests he is clinging on to the fox as he is pulled from the earth.

Scene - second dig out, three terriermen present, unpleasant screams and growls can be heard coming from terrier and or fox underground, terrier's posture suggest he is clinging on to fox, close up of terrier when removed from earth shows his muzzle is covered in blood.

Scene - macabre ritual of throwing body of fox to hounds for them to rip it to pieces while master makes 'encouraging' noises to urge them on.

Pregnant & Nursing Vixens

Foxes mate in January and the gestation period lasts 53 days. Vixens are pregnant and giving birth while hunting with horse and hounds takes place and, in some parts of the country, the hunting season does not end until April/May ( appendix I, fig 20).

A pregnant or lactating mammal is in a delicate condition and very likely to suffer ill-effects if subjected to a chase because of the toxins released into her blood stream as a reaction to stress. Fox hounds hunt by sight as well as scent and there is no evidence to support the hunters claims that pregnant vixens do not give off a scent but there are reported incidents of pregnant vixens being caught and ripped apart by fox hounds exposing the presence of foetuses (appendix II, figs 16 & 17).

Nursing vixens are also at risk. The vixen remains underground with the cubs for the first week or so of their lives providing them with essential warmth and milk. She relies on the supporting dog fox to bring her food. If the hunt kill the supporting dog fox at this stage the vixen is unlikely to cope and if they kill the vixen when she emerges then her cubs will be left to starve underground (appendix I, figs 23).

Training the Fox Hounds

Foxhounds do not hunt foxes by natural instinct. They have to be trained and encouraged to do this so, for three months prior to the start of the official fox hunting season, cub hunting takes place (appendix I, fig 24).

The pack will include a number of new, young, inexperienced hounds. In order to teach them to chase and kill foxes, the pack is taken to a small wood or 'covert' where a family of foxes is known to reside. Riders and foot followers surround the covert to drive back any foxes attempting to escape and the hounds are sent in to find, attack and kill the young foxes (appendix I, figs 24 & see POWA video Cruelty of Cub hunting).

It is debatable whether gawky, young hounds will kill efficiently in the early stages of their training but a quote from the Duke of Beaufort in 'Foxhunting', published 1980 reads 'It is essential that hounds should have their blood up and learn to be savage with their fox before he is killed' (appendix I, fig 24).

Any young hounds who reveal during this training period that they do not hunt to form will be culled.

Treatment of Fox Hounds

In the magazine Shooting Times, Robin MacKenzie, MF, said that most hunts had six litters averaging six puppies per year - 36 new pups per hunt. Around a fifth of the older hounds are culled each year so it is clear that hunts are currently breeding puppies surplus to their requirements.

Excerpt from BBC2 documentary 'A year with the Ludlow hunt, 96/97' scene - fox hound described as nine years old is carried outside by member of hunt staff and sat in front of the incinerator, gun placed at back of hound's head & shot hound immediately lifted and dumped into incinerator without any checks to see that it was dead.

In December 1999, six hounds from the Bicester and Whaddon Chase hunt were killed on a railway line in Oxfordshire. This incident was the third in three weeks in the county of Oxon alone that involved the deaths of hounds on roads and railways. It came just one month after seven hounds of the New Forest hunt were electrocuted and hit by a train in Hampshire which mirrored an incident in January 1998 when eleven of the West Kent Foxhounds were electrocuted on the main line near Tonbridge (appendix II, figs 9, 10, 12).

Treatment of Horses

It is a common sight to see mounted hunt followers riding their horses very hard and fast without apparent concern for their mounts, often asking their horses to manoeuvre around or jump obstacles which could cause serious injury. The masters and hunt servants will be seen frequently cantering on hard surfaces such as roads for long periods of time, setting an example that other hunt riders follow, without regard for the damage this can cause to their horse's legs.

Excerpt from BBC2 documentary 'A year with the Ludlow hunt, 96/97' scene - riders are attempting to jump a ditch, one jumps and spread-eagles his horse across the span of the ditch putting much strain on the horse's back

scene - horses shown being ridden furiously...horse shown in distress, stumbling, on verge of collapse...riders untack horse now down on the ground...horse dies....body of horse shown on concrete pad at front of kennel's flesh house.

Injury & Death of Livestock, Domestic Pets and Hounds

Many farmers, smallholders and local residents have found themselves witnessing or being involved in unpleasant incidents caused by the shock waves of hunting with horse and hound. Consequently, they are obliged to spend a great deal of time and money moving their stock and gathering up pets in an effort to avoid the damage that can occur when hounds run out of control (appendix II & III).

Most recent incidents - 17th January 2000, hounds from the Heythrop hunt killed a pet cat in the village of Enstone just 12 days after hounds from the Warwickshire hunt, led by the chairman of the Campaign for Hunting Sam Butler, killed a cat in the village of Milcombe. On 20th January, hounds from the VWH ran riot, trespassing on land in the village of Leigh, forcing the owner who feared for the safety of her small dogs to telephone the police to report that 'the hunt was totally out of control' (appendix II, figs 1, 2, 3 & POWA video 'Riding Roughshod').

A ban on fox hunting with horse and hounds and a change to drag hunting will reduce the risk of disturbance so removing the impositions and the anxiety felt by those adversely affected at present.

Other Methods of Control

Anyone expressing concerns over the welfare of the animals subjected to these other methods of control is not arguing a case for the retention of hunting with dogs but simply arguing a case for better policing of these methods. The creation of the special police force, The National Wildlife Crime Intelligence Unit which is dedicated to combating animal cruelty, should provide the service needed.

IMPLEMENTING A BAN

Ban Hunting with Horse and Hounds!

We believe there should be a blanket ban imposed on the hunting of wild mammals with dogs, in particular to outlaw any activities that use hunting with dogs as a form of amusement because this results in the target species being artificially engineered and cruelly treated in order to suit the pastime.

Exceptions?

Once a blanket ban has been introduced, it would be up to the individual groups such as the fell packs to argue and prove their case if they felt they should be exempted from legislation.

Enforcement of the Ban

The newly created special police force, the National Wildlife Crime Intelligence Unit, could be used to enforce the law and the network of hunt monitors who currently follow hunts to expose their misdemeanours could use their skills to alert the authorities to any illegal hunting activities.

Part 2 Personal Submission on How Hunting Affects Life in the Countryside

NB - Please read in conjunction with CSGAH video 'Living with Enemy'

Miss L. M. Roffe

COTSWOLD SUPPORT GROUP for the ABOLITION of HUNTING

14 February 2000

Committee of Inquiry into Hunting with Dogs
P.O.Box31010
LONDON
SWIH 9ZL

PERSONAL SUBMISSION ON HOW HUNTING AFFECTS LIFE IN THE COUNTRY SIDE

The evidence I would like to submit to this inquiry is based on 40 years experience of living in a Warwickshire village on the borders of Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire. During the hunting season these beautiful surroundings are subjected to invasion by motor vehicles and the inevitable traffic jams, destruction of grass verges and village greens, fear for the safety of pets and livestock and verbal and physical abuse if any attempt is made to voice protest at this activity. The experiences I have suffered over the years are too numerous to write down but I will give you a selection of the most memorable, supported in some cases by video evidence which I have enclosed. I would hope you could find time to watch the tape which I have kept short but shows visually just some of the problems incurred by those of us who live in the countryside.

LIVESTOCK, PETS, HORSE AND HOUNDS

Here in the Cotswolds there have been many instances of horse theft so owners tend to be vigilant to protect them. Unlike the hunt who have left horses unattended in loose boxes during the course of a days hunting.**

It is also worrying that the welfare of horses both used by the hunt and in fields in the hunted area seem to get over looked by those who take part in hunting. Horses in fields get over excited when hunting activity is nearby and often attempt to join in, on one occasion a horse broke out of its paddock and galloped away up the road with no concern at all by those who had caused it. In fact when a colleague filmed the event she was knocked over by a mounted follower who took exception to the camera.**

Hunts are notoriously camera shy. I once attempted to photograph a fox being pulled by its tail from a road side drain and subsequently thrown over a hedge in front of the hounds, only to receive a bloody nose while a supporter attempted to wrestle my camera from me.

Hunt horses are regularly to be seen galloping on hard road surfaces and charging out of fields onto busy roads without any regard for traffic, the same can be said of the hounds.**

The field is often led into places that are unsuitable for horse traffic and accidents causing danger both to horse and rider. An example of this can be seen on the video, where a young rider is unseated, the horse injures its leg and is caught by a colleague of mine who was the only person who helped despite many hunt supporters present.**

It is not uncommon for sheep to be terrorised by the hunt, which is totally unacceptable at any time but more so when ewes are pregnant in the spring, the same goes for cattle.** The hunt think the answer to this is to offer compensation, but the welfare of all livestock should be paramount. I have video footage of a sheep bowled over in the stampede and ending up on its back, needing help to get on its feet, abuse is what I got for showing concern.**

Two of our local hunts have recently been guilty of killing pet cats. This is a real fear for us cat owners. When the hunt is in the area cat owner have to be vigilant and fearful for their pets. One new years day I returned home to find my daughter in tears because hounds had rampaged through my garden and tried to get at her pet rabbit. Whenever the hunt is nearby it is a real fear they will come into gardens and again I have footage of this happening in my village.** One little girl who is afraid of dogs was terrified and it took her a long time to get over the experience.

Horse boxes and hunt followers think nothing of parking on the verges, often on bends or stopping in the road abandoning vehicles to watch hunting activity. This causes widespread disruption in the narrow lanes and not surprisingly a lot of impatience from residents and visitors who simply can't go about their business.**

RUDENESS

Hunt followers both mounted and in cars seem to think that they have a divine right to go wherever they please, with no thought or consideration for residents and other road users. Understandably this causes impatience and real anger, made much worse by the attitudes of everyone within the hunt thinking they can behave as they wish. Rudeness and swearing are common place and occasionally violent acts. While monitoring a local hunt recently I had a large clod of earth thrown at my car, when I asked who had done it I was greeted with jeering abuse and two people pulled their trousers down at me.** Horse riders are rude and aggressive if asked to move and as mentioned earlier camera shy, I have on film an example.**

OTHER COMMENTS

I have often wondered about the stirrup cup and the copious amounts of alcohol consumed by the riders during hunting. It is an offence to be drunk in charge of a horse on a public highway. I think they should be breathalised, car drivers would be if seen doing the same thing.**

There is another concern about hunting practises and that is interference with badger sets. It is common for hunts to employ earth stoppers to block any bolt hole that the hunted fox might find to take refuge. It was brought to my attention recently that a sett on private land had been interfered with. It is only legal to block setts if the correct material is used and removed afterwards and with the land owners permission, in the case I mention none of this applied. The matter was reported to the police and the land owner has written to the hunt through her solicitor banning the hunt and staff from her land'.**

Why should we have to go to such great lengths to protect our land, pets and livestock?

Hunts serve no useful purpose other than to create a nuisance in the country side. They make no difference to fox population and hunting is indiscriminate, killing any fox not necessarily the animal which may have caused a problem. I kept chickens and ducks for 20 years and never once lost one to a fox. Careful management prevents problems.

I have had sheep farmers admit to me that they have suffered no healthy lamb losses to foxes, occasionally a stillborn or weak lamb which would have died any way may have been taken but there have been complaints about that.

Hunting is purely for recreation and has no place in modern society and gives the countryside a bad name.

SOCIAL LIFE IN THE COUNTRYSIDE

Social life in this area is not linked in any way to hunting. There are thriving village clubs, womens institutes and the village schools have many entertaining events that are popular, fetes, maypole dancing and morris dancing to name but a few. Local car boot sales abound as do sporting activities, football, cricket and bike riding events. It is somewhat insulting to suggest that countryside activities revolve around hunting, this simply isn't the case. Local newspapers report weekly on fund raising events local drama groups and many other enjoyable entertainment's that do not involve mass disruption and killing something.

Many traditional things are enjoyed reflecting the character and charm of country living, ploughing events, steam rallies and as mentioned before traditional dancing.

Every year in September there is an agricultural show held at Moreton in Marsh including equestrian events, competitions, countryside attractions one of which is a parade of hounds, this is a tiny part of the show and wouldn't be missed. Last year I stood outside the show ground and collected over 1,000 signatures from visitors calling for a ban on hunting in the space of 2 hours. The support for a ban was enormous, these were real country people.

It is a total myth that social life for the real country person revolves around the hunting sett.

CONCLUSION

Hunting with dogs has no place in the modern British countryside. It is unwelcome out dated cruel and unnecessary.

I would like to thank the committee for taking the time to look at my submission and hopefully viewing the short video, I have marked reference points to the film with**. Real country people in my area have given me so much support for my efforts to bring an end to hunting our wildlife with dogs. Every day I receive phone calls and letters of encouragement, people on the street stop me and tell me to keep up the good work. So on behalf of all these people, and they number thousands, please listen to us and take note of what we suffer because of a selfish minority who can't amuse themselves in any other way other than disrupting our lives and disturbing and killing our precious wild life.

Yours Sincerely

Linda Roffe

(and all members and supporters of the Cotswold Support Group for the Abolition)

Appendix I - Reference

fig 1 - Subscriptions paid to hunts - Horse & Hound

fig 2 - meet cards

fig 3 - letter in Stratford Herald, Robin Smith-Ryland re artificial earths

fig 4a - letter from Express

fig 4b - letters from Independant

fig 5 - articles on Sinnington Hunt with photos of Heythrop log pile

fig 6 - letter in Stratford Herald listing lengths of hunts

fig 7 - 'Foxes may die of stress', Sunday Times

fig 8 - article from Countryman's Weekly

fig 9 - deadstock disposal from Farmers Weekly

fig l0a - on farm burial, renderers Farmers Weekly

fig l0b - letters, 'Hunt v Licensed Slaughterers'

fig l0c - Heythrop Fallen Stock Scheme leaflet

fig 11 - bio-digester

fig 12 - MAFF Lamb Survival sheet

fig 13 - 3000 bird poultry flock article from Telegraph

fig 14 - 3000 ewe flock article from Farmers Weekly

fig 15 - guard animalsl, Sheep Farmer magazine

fig 16 - guard animals 2, Sheep Farmer magazine

fig 17 - hunting report by Foxford from Horse & Hound

fig 18 - letters in Standard re Stow meet

fig 19 - letter from Glos Wildlife Trust

fig 20 - factsheet re pregnant vixens

fig 21 - extracts from pro-hunt publications

fig 22 - letter to Chipping Campden Bulletin re illegal earth stopping

fig 23 - AWIS letter re nursing vixen

fig 24 - leaflet on cub hunting

Date uploaded to site 7 April 2000