Remember, hunting is still an illegal act (From Worcester News)

Remember, hunting is still an illegal act

10:15am Monday 29th October 2007 in Read

SIR - I would like to bring the attention of your readers to the recent ruling that the conviction under the Hunting Act of members of the Somerset Quantock Staghounds should stand. In particular, the ruling that any hunting carried out for the purpose of sport and recreation is always illegal.

The hunting of a wild mammal with dog(s) for sport or recreation is a crime and the onus is on the law-breaking hunters to prove a legal exemption.

The law is clear and those charged with hunting cannot claim as a defence that the law is unclear.

Moreover, if hounds are used to flush to guns, the gun must be present to kill the quarry.

A significant chase by hounds and lack of guns nearby is illegal hunting.

Some hunters believe they can continue to get away with law-breaking, but they can expect the police and CPS, working with the League Prosecution Unit to take action.

DOUGLAS BATCHELOR, Chief Executive, League Against Cruel Sports