The Kent Hunt Saboteurs have posted video footage of a pack of hunt dogs killing a fox. The incident took place as the East Kent Hunt took part in an arranged trail-hunt on Saturday 14th January. The evidence clearly shows a poor fox in the middle of the dogs. We are unable to show the full footage due to the harrowing scenes which may upset some – and have blurred the image shown.
The fox was killed adjacent to a family house. Concerns have been raised that the dogs could have attacked a family pet or even a child, as once they are on a trail, there is virtually no way to stop them in their pursuit.
‘Trail’ hunting was created to mimic traditional fox hunting with dogs. The hunts lay an animal-based scent trail (using fox urine) which has been laid in areas where foxes or hares are likely to be.
Crucially, those laying the trail are not meant to tell those controlling the hounds where the scent has been laid, so if the hounds end up following a live animal scent the hunt can claim that they did not know.
Some fear trail hunting is being used as a smokescreen to get around the law and continue traditional, illegal fox hunting.
Kent Rural Police have been contacted but have so far failed to comment on the video footage provided to them.
