'We take hunting seriously' says force after illegal hunt allegations in Cornwall
Police say they take hunting "seriously" following reports of an incident of alleged fox hunting in Cornwall in the New Year. A local hunting saboteur group recorded footage it claims showed East Cornwall hunt chasing a fox.
Kernow Sabs, Monitors and Animal Rights Team captured the video on Saturday, January 4, which it claims shows a rider, part of East Cornwall Hunt, chasing after a fox on land at Bodmin Moor. Footage also appears to show a pack of hounds climbing a fence into land where any kind of hunt activity is currently forbidden by the owner, Forestry England.
Devon and Cornwall Police has now confirmed it received a report relating to this incident but needs further witnesses and evidence if it is to proceed with an investigation.
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A Devon and Cornwall Police spokesperson said: “We can confirm we received a report relating to alleged hunt activity in the east Bodmin Moor area on January 4. At this time, we have not been made aware of any further witnesses or viable lines of enquiry to assist the investigation.
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It added that it takes the subject of hunting "seriously" and will always investigate reports of illegal hunting activity. "Devon and Cornwall Police takes the subject of hunting seriously and we have a number of liaison officers across the force who work closely with our communities to ensure that parties are able to exercise their right to participate in lawful activity. We will always investigate any reports of illegal activity made to us.
“We would encourage witnesses of any suspected offences to share unedited footage and images with us, and to be prepared to give statements to allow us to investigate any allegation of criminality.
“While we appreciate the sensitivities of witnesses, we encourage incidents are reported at the time so any evidential opportunities can be maximised.” Anyone with information can contact police via the website or by calling 101 quoting 50250007863.
Both the accused hunt and the British Hound Sport Association (BHSA) have disputed the claims from the sabs. The hunt says it takes part in no illegal hunting and the BHSA says the footage shows a rider and supporter trying to stop the fox from running into the path of the hounds amidst a pre-layed trail.