The Cotswold Hunt has been fined £5,000 and key members have been suspended over footage which seemed to show a fox being found buried alive.
A video captured by the Cirencester Illegal Hunt Watch appeared to show the animal being retrieved from a closed fabric bag that had been placed in a man-made den on the Miserden Estate near Stroud.
Hunt Saboteurs appeared to rescue the fox and claimed it was an example of the illegal practise of “fox-bagging”, where a fox is captured, trapped, and released for hounds to chase.
Wildlife rescue experts say the rescued animal was a female, possibly lactating, and that the bag was “sodden” with urine after it was trapped for hours and possibly days.
Channel 4 News broadcast the footage on March 18 causing a public outcry and the BHSA suspended the hunt’s membership.
After reviewing the footage and evidence given by members of the hunt, the British Hound Sports Association (BHSA) judged that the video showed “serious breaches” of its rules and principles.
Cotswold Hunt was fined £5,000, to be paid within 28 days, while the chairman and joint masters of the hunt will have their BHSA membership suspended for two years.
The hunt will also have to reapply to the BHSA for reaccreditation before participating in further hunting activities and management has been warned to ensure appropriate supervision of its followers and supporters.
While the panel claimed no one involved in the hunt’s management had prior knowledge of the activity, they judged them to be collectively responsible for failing to maintain the expected standards of participants.
The BHSA added that those who are subject to sanctions will have 14 days to appeal the decision.
Gloucestershire Police are continuing to investigate the incident.
After the video first circulated, rural crime team leader Inspector Simon Ellson said: “We take all reports of illegal fox hunting very seriously.
“Our rural crime officers have gathered evidence in relation to this case and will pursue any offenders.”
At the time, landowner of the Miserden Estate Nicholas Wills said: “The Cotswold Hunt were allowed onto the estate with the strictest understanding that they hunt within the law.
“We will assist with any subsequent investigation and if found guilty the hunt will no longer be welcome on the estate.”
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