Police investigate killing of fox at hunt meeting near Melton Mowbray
Police are investigating reports that a fox was illegally killed during a meeting of the Quorn Hunt near Melton Mowbray on Friday.
Members of Northants Hunt Saboteurs – an animal rights group – say they observed the incident using a drone camera and they reported it to Leicestershire Police.
The group has released footage which they say shows hounds chasing and killing the fox between barns at Sanham Farm at Kirby Bellars.
The film appears to show hounds cornering a fox into the farmyard, where they kill the animal.
At this point, the anti-hunt group says, two men join the hounds and the fox's body can be seen in the hands of one of them while the hounds bite at the body – an incident the campaigners are calling a ‘tug-of-war killing’.
Hunting foxes with packs of dogs was outlawed in 2004 but hunts continue to meet with hounds, following the scent of a fox through the countryside – a practice known as trail hunting.
Following this latest incident, a spokesperson for Northants Hunt Saboteurs said: “As we wait for our government to stick to their manifesto pledge to end the smokescreen of 'trail hunting', this evidence serves as a timely reminder of the vicious and illegal intent of the hunters.”
Rowan Hughes, spokesperson for the Hunt Saboteurs Association, described the footage as 'upsetting to watch'.
He alleged that the killing of foxes by hunting hounds was widespread, adding ‘its not often we see the stark reality played out quite this clearly’.
A spokesperson for Leicestershire Police said: “An investigation is taking place following a report that a fox was killed on land off Thorpe Satchville Road in Kirby Bellars on Friday (16 October).
“The incident was reported to police just after 8.15am.
"Officers were told the fox had been killed by dogs as part of a hunt.
“A number of people have been spoken to in connection with the incident and further enquiries are continuing.
“No arrests have been made at this time.”
The Melton Times has sought comment from the Quorn Hunt about the incident and is awaiting a response.
Hunts say they play a vital role in preserving the countryside and supporting rural businesses and communities.