Stuart Anderson’s trail hunting opinion poll isn’t worth the paper its written on
Stuart Anderson, Tory MP for South Shropshire has released a dodgy opinion poll on the Labour government’s plans to enact a stronger ban on trail hunting. Both Anderson’s poll and his statements at the recent parliamentary debate on rural communities are questionable to say the least. Relative newcomer Anderson is joining the like of far-right […]
GOOD NEWS: 2026 is looking bleak for fox hunters
As 2025 draws to a close, the coming year is looking bleak for supporters of hunting with hounds. Baroness Hayman of Ullock, the Minister for Animal Welfare, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening the ban on ‘trail hunting’. Labour has released its new animal welfare policy, which sets out its intention to prioritise implementing […]
Wildlife defenders are planning protests across the UK against Boxing Day Hunts
As communities across the UK brace themselves for the annual display of pro-hunt Boxing Day carnage, many wildlife defenders are organising to resist. Protect the Wild has put together a handy list of the protests and events taking place to stick up for our wildlife. This list is a work in progress, so get in […]
Tiverton Council says hunt meets are not welcome and more
In this mid-December fox hunting update, the UK’s animal rights community is bracing itself for an intensified fight in 2026. Labour is promising that the long-awaited public consultation on hunting will take place early in the New Year. We can expect to see a pro-hunt pushback as a result. As the debate on a tightened […]
Forgive us our trespasses? Hunts continue to cause havoc in communities across the UK
In this late November/Early December hunting update fox hunts have been busy terrorising schools and local communities across the UK. Tragically, the Beaufort Hunt was caught on camera killing a fox close to the grounds of Gloucestershire’s Westonbirt School, later that week they hunted a fox through a children’s nursery too. On top of that, […]
New report shows convictions for wildlife crime offences at record low
A report by a coalition of charities reveals that only a tiny fraction of reported wildlife crimes lead to a prosecution and that convictions for offences like badger baiting, hare coursing, illegal trapping, unlawful trade in endangered species and illegal hunting are currently at an all time low. Wildlife and Countryside Link have made a […]
Hunting News Early October: Two beagle packs fold and more
With the so-called ‘season’ for hunting hares in full swing, there’s reason to cheer: two of the UK’s hare hunting beagle packs have announced that they will be folding. In other news: The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has dropped the case against a Cottesmore Hunt terrierman despite damning covert footage gathered by Northants Hunt Saboteurs. […]
Red Squirrels threatened by renewable energy project
The Wildlife Trust of South & West Wales (WTSWW) has launched a campaign against a planned renewable ‘energy park’ that threatens one of the few remaining Red Squirrel populations in Wales. The Red Squirrels of the Bryn Arau Duon forest are one of only three surviving colonies in the country. Once a common sight in […]
North York Moors National Park – NOT a safe place for wildlife
As we enter another shooting ‘season’, Protect the Wild is publishing a series of articles about the key regions of the UK that attract both tourists who want to enjoy the wildlife and landscape, and hunters and shooters who have an altogether less healthy relationship with the countryside around them. The cubbing season began in […]
Devon and Somerset Staghounds on another killing spree.
On 13 September Devon and Somerset Staghounds (DSSH) once again showed just how ugly the face of stag hunting really is. The hunt separated a young stag from his companions, pursuing him until he was exhausted before killing him with a rifle. Members of North Dorset Hunt Saboteurs (NDHS) were on the scene. They commented […]
Mid September hunting news update: Norfolk terrierman convicted of animal cruelty and more
In this mid-September fox hunting news update we report on the conviction of a Norwich based terrierman for not providing medical care to a Patterdale terrier under his care. In addition: On 26 February hunt monitor Chantelle Leach was assaulted by a hunt supporter. We reported at the time that Essex Police treated her case […]
Media outrage over catapults but no condemnation of bird shooting
A 21-year old man in Sevenoaks, Kent has been arrested after videos surfaced of him apparently killing birds with a catapult. This is just the latest in a spate of arrests in Kent and London for animal cruelty with catapults and other makeshift weapons. Police seized 21 catapults during the arrest. The man has since […]
September hunting news: Cattistock caught red-handed and more
In this early September hunting news update the shameful practice of cubbing, the cruel killing of young foxes to train hunting dogs, is in full swing, a harrier pack leaves the BHS, and the Countryside Alliance offers a ‘reward’ for hunting. – The notorious Cattistock hunt brutally killed a fox on the grounds of Lady […]
Dartmoor: one of England’s most hunted and shot-over pieces of real estate.
As the cubbing and hunting ‘season’ starts again in earnest, we are also getting ever closer to the beginning of another few months of gunning down pheasants and partridges. Protect the Wild is looking at key regions of the UK that attract both tourists who want to enjoy the wildlife and landscape and hunters and […]
Normalising wildlife crime at the UK’s Agricultural Shows
The UK’s summer Agricultural Shows are key dates in the calendar for pro-hunting advocates. Hunt groups use the events as a way to normalise their cruel blood sport, with hunt hounds appearing and parading alongside agricultural displays. Many shows, however, are now keeping hunt involvement very quiet for fear of reputational damage. On top of […]
Durrell Trust refuses to engage with members – again
Members of the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust (DWCT) have been pressuring the organisation to end its support for pay-to-shoot deer stalking on the Dalnacardoch Estate in the Cairngorms, which the Trust manages. DWCT’s leadership has just “unambiguously refused” to discuss a motion from Trust members calling for the issue to be debated at Durrell’s upcoming […]
Police report alarming rise in hare coursing
Police are reporting that warm weather is contributing to a spike in hare coursing incidents. Hare coursing is a cruel and illegal bloodsport that involves the pursuit of hares with greyhounds as opposed to the harriers, beagles or bassets involved in hare hunting. It has been illegal since the passing of the Hunting Act in […]
Mid August fox hunting update – Cubbing foiled in Devon and more
In this mid-August fox hunting update, hunts around the UK have begun the Summer ‘cubbing season’. Cubbing is the disgraceful practice of hunting and killing young foxes and hares (leverets) to give their new hounds a taste for blood. Our stories this month include: – Sabs and monitors organise to stop cubbing. – Police forces […]
Durrell Trust performs yet another U-Turn on deer stalking
For many months, Protect the Wild has been following the grassroots campaign to stop the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust (DWCT) from allowing pay-to-shoot deer stalking at the estate it manages in the Cairngorms. After initially doubling down on its support for trophy hunting, the Trust subsequently bowed to pressure from its supporters and pledged to […]
Pipewell Foot Beagles huntsman, whipper-in and directors plead not guilty
The whipper-in and huntsman from a Northamptonshire based hare hunt have pleaded not guilty to offences under the Hunting Act 2004. The charges were brought after footage of the Pipewell Foot Beagles (PFB) tearing up a hare went viral earlier this year. Huntsman Philip Anthony Saunders and whipper-in Rachael Victoria Lenton from the PFB both […]
Late July Fox Hunting News Update: Reports of early Cubbing and more
In this packed late July fox hunting news update, reports are coming in that some hunts have started cubbing and levereting (hunting fox cubs and baby hares) early. Meanwhile, wildlife defenders are busy organising against them, through direct action in the fields and via targeted campaigning too. Our stories this time include: – Action Against […]
SUCCESS: Solar farm promises action to release trapped deer
A solar farm appears to have finally taken action to release several deer that have been trapped at its premises since April 10. The company running the farm only reacted after intense pressure from local people, which led to mainstream media coverage over the plight of the deer. Last week the BBC published these images […]
Suspended Labour MP consistent opponent of Planning & Infrastructure Bill
The Labour Party is currently steamrolling through its Planning and Infrastructure (PI) Bill (which will strip away many of the remaining environmental protections from the UK’s precious wild regions). The party recently suspended North East Hertfordshire MP Chris Hinchliff after he dared to oppose the government’s plans. Hinchliff has been a consistent critic of the […]
Beagle packs amalgamate, as hunts struggle across the UK
There’s some rare good news for British wildlife. Two more hunts have been forced to amalgamate, according to the Hunt Saboteurs Association. That makes five mergers already this year. Combined with the closure of Scotland’s Dumfriesshire & Stewarty Hunt that means there will be at least six less hunts overall next season. Sabs have […]
Mid July fox hunting update – Fitzwilliam whipper-in pleads guilty and more
Jacob Whalley, whipper-in of the Fitzwilliam Hunt pleaded guilty to hunting a wild mammal with dogs on 4 July. His conviction is the latest in an increasingly long line of hunters deciding that the weight of evidence against them meant that they would be fighting a losing battle in court. Whalley has previously been convicted […]
Hunts are still menacing minks and otters across England and Wales
Mink hunting season is underway and sabs and monitors have been busy ensuring that the UK’s remaining mink hunts are unable to reach their prey. Minks are hunted from March all the way through to September, coinciding with their breeding season. Hunts often leave young mink – known as kits – motherless and sure to […]
July fox hunting update: The hypocrisy of pro-hunt puppy shows
As the British countryside breathes a sigh of relief at a short Summer respite from fox hunting (and commercial bird shooting), many hunts are using this time to promote themselves and fundraise for next season. One regular fixture in the pro-hunt calendar are the annual puppy shows and hound shows, where hunting dogs are shown […]
Animal Sentience Committee raises concerns over Labour’s pay-to-trash plans
The British parliament’s new Animal Sentience Committee (ASC) has raised concerns that Labour’s proposed Planning and Infrastructure (PI) Bill will affect animal welfare. Steve Reed, the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, is obliged to reply to the committee’s findings within three months. The ASC was set up as a result of […]
Mid June fox hunting update: Warwickshire police double-down on campaign of secrecy and more
Warwickshire Police are continuing their campaign of secrecy over their close relationship with the Warwickshire Hunt. They recently refused to disclose correspondence and minutes of meetings between themselves and the Hunt. In other news, Somerset huntsman Guy Landau pleaded guilty to a breach of the Hunting Act at East Huntspill in Somerset in October 2024. Landau’s […]
What’s behind Durrell Trust’s U-turn on deer stalking?
In March 2025 Protect the Wild called-out the Durrell Wildlife and Conservation Trust’s (DWCT) policy of allowing pay-to-shoot deer stalking on the estate it leases in the Cairngorms. After pressure from us, grassroots campaigners and local media the trust has performed a U-turn, announcing that they will end deer-stalking on the Dalnacardoch estate in Perthshire, […]
Five reasons the Planning and Infrastructure bill will be disastrous for British wildlife
Labour’s Planning and Infrastructure Bill aims to allow companies to pay to trash the British countryside. It will do away with existing checks and balances in the planning system and establish a legal framework allowing developers to destroy irreplaceable natural ecosystems. Corporations will pay into a planned Nature Restoration Fund in order to ‘offset’ the […]
Hunting news roundup: 06 June 2025 – hunting charges and convictions over the past month
On 28 May Duncan Cinnamond, huntsman of the Seavington Hunt plead guilty to illegal fox hunting, which is an offence under the Hunting Act 2004. Magistrates in Weymouth ordered him to pay a fine and court costs. Cinnamond’s conviction comes after Two Counties Hunt Saboteurs submitted damning video footage of a fox being ripped apart […]
Supreme Court rejects Dartmoor shooter’s appeal and backs wild campers
The UK Supreme Court has rejected an appeal by bird shooters Alexander and Diana Darwall and upheld the right to wild camp on Dartmoor. The victory comes after a years long fight for the right to roam. Hedge fund manager Alexander Darwall first embarked on a legal battle against Dartmoor National Park Authority (DNPA) in […]
Fox hunting news roundup: 16 May 2025
This mid-May fox hunting news roundup begins with a chilling question: is the Portman Hunt killing tens of healthy hounds every year? We have been shown documents originating from the Portman which show that the Hunt routinely replaces 22% of its hunt pack. So what happens to the discarded dogs? In other news, Dorset Police […]
RSPCA draws attention to attacks on wildlife with catapults, but is media outrage selective?
There has been a significant increase in the number of reported attacks on wildlife with catapults, says the RSPCA. A petition to ban the sale of catapults and ammunition and the carrying of catapults in public places has gathered over 22.5k signatures. Protect the Wild condemns the wanton killing of wildlife with catapults and other […]
Weak response from Forestry England on QSH’s blatant hunting
On Tuesday 22 April Quantock Staghounds (QSH) killed a young stag in the Quantock Hills. The Hunting Act 2004 clearly prohibits the hunting of mammals with dogs, although stag hunters misuse several loopholes in the law to evade this. The chase crossed both National Trust and Forestry England land. Sabs’ reports pointed out that the […]
Fox hunting news roundup: 02 May 2025
As May commences, there’s more bad news for hunting. Monitors and sabs are reporting suspicions that another hunt amalgamation may well be on the way. Meanwhile two men connected to the notorious Cottesmore Hunt have been convicted of violence against hunt saboteurs. One of them received a ban from attending hunt meets. The police and […]
Labour’s new planning bill “will lead to permanent biodiversity loss”
Labour’s new Planning and Infrastructure (PI) Bill will have devastating and long-lasting impacts on British wildlife. Protect the Wild explains why. The announcement of the PI Bill has been a wake-up call for many of Britain’s environmental defenders. The legislation, if passed, will allow developers to destroy natural habitats as long as they pay a […]
Protect the Wild supports new parliamentary petition on sports netting
Protect the Wild is supporting a parliamentary petition by a volunteer from the Fox Project calling for the government to require by law that all sports netting be tied up when not in use, to prevent it accidentally ensnaring wildlife and companion animals. We have often highlighted the number of animals who are seriously injured […]
The Vesteys: a multi-millionaire hunting family
The Vesteys are a wealthy aristocratic family with an empire built on meat, controlling several brands supplying supermarkets and high street retailers. The family – who used to be the UK’s second richest – are ardent supporters of hunting with strong links to the Countryside Alliance. They can be expected to lead the pushback against […]
Fox hunting news roundup Spring 2025
Protect the Wild is planning to write regular digests showcasing the latest news in the struggle against fox hunting. In this Spring 2025 roundup we have the latest on the sentencing of the ex-Essex & Suffolk (ESH) huntsman Sam Staniland; news on the collapse of one Scottish hunt and the amalgamation of several hunts at […]
Trail hunting: government reaffirms support for ban
On April 1st Perran Moon, the Labour MP for Cornwall’s Camborne and Redruth constituency, called on the government to ban so-called trail hunting and made a plea for jail time for hunters who are caught breaking the law. Currently, trail hunting – which supposedly involves hunts laying scent trails for hounds to follow, a scenario […]
‘Friendliest golf course in North London’ kills foxes
There was public outcry in Enfield last week after the Metro ran an expose about Enfield Golf Club – which calls itself the ‘friendliest golf course in North London’ – shooting foxes on their grounds. But, sadly, the culling of foxes and other animals is the norm for businesses in the UK, not an aberration. […]
Ghoulish pictures of the Thurlow Hunt’s ball
Ghoulish pictures have been circulating on social media about what the Thurlow Hunt (TH) got up to at their Hunt Ball. Smiling and dressed for a masquerade, guests are seen posing with a stuffed fox. In several images they are seen stroking the dead animal. In another photo, two ball attendees can be seen standing […]
GRAPHIC: Warwickshire Hunt whipper-in convicted under Hunting Act.
Benjamin Halsall of the Warwickshire Hunt has been convicted of hunting a wild mammal with dogs in breach of the Hunting Act 2004. ‘Whipper-in’ Halsall, from Shipton-on-Stour, was found guilty by a District Judge at Coventry Magistrates’ Court, after the court was shown footage of the Warwickshire Hunt’s hounds ripping up a fox on 9 […]
Two members of notorious BSV Hunt plead guilty to obstructing sabs
Charlie Mayo and Kieron Bashford of the notorious Blackmore and Sparkford Vale (BSV) Hunt plead guilty to willfully obstructing the highway on 3 March. Mayo is a rider for the BSV, the son of Anthony Mayo who is huntmaster. Bashford is a BSV supporter and occasional terrierman. The two BSV members had tried to block […]
Call to Action in support of wildlife defender assaulted by the hunt
Essex & Suffolk Hunt (ESH) supporter Tom Greig was filmed smashing hunt monitor Chantelle Leach’s phone and shoving her during the ESH’s meet in Little Bentley on 26 February. However, Chantelle told Protect the Wild that Greig’s assault continued after the film is cut. Police have been sent the video, but Chantelle says that their […]
Warwickshire Police’s secret Hunt deal disclosed
Warwickshire Police have been trying to hide the details of an agreement they made with the Warwickshire Hunt for years. After a concerted campaign it’s finally been disclosed. The protocol, which was in place during the 2023/4 hunting season, lists a number of arrangements that are shockingly hunt-friendly. One agreement, for example, stated that the […]
BSV point-to-point and the sponsors risking their reputations
The Blackmore & Sparkvale (BSV) Hunt has a reputation for animal cruelty, disregard for animal protection legislation, violence and general thuggery. But that didn’t stop a whole host of businesses from associating themselves with the BSV by sponsoring the hunt’s Point to Point (P2P) fundraiser in March 2025. Protect the Wild shines a spotlight on […]
CPS blunder: dismay as trial of Essex and Suffolk huntsmen collapses
The trial of whipper-in Jamie Price, huntsman Jack Henty and Hamish Golding of the Essex and Suffolk hunt collapsed on Tuesday 11 March at Ipswich Magistrates Court, after the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) lawyer failed to disclose a document to the defence. Wildlife monitors were dismayed, as the three men evaded prosecution. Price, Henty and […]
Cheshire Police: ‘wrongful arrest’ settlement to badger defender
A wildlife defender has been awarded a settlement of £5000 by Cheshire Constabulary after being wrongfully arrested in 2019. David Griffiths was strip-searched on suspicion of having tampered with a badger trap, but the investigation was dropped due to lack of evidence. Nevertheless, he’s experienced police harassment and intimidation ever since. This is the second […]
Cury Hunt shows violent disregard for dogs
On 26 February, West Cornwall Hunt Saboteurs (WCHS) captured a video that shows once again the blatant disregard hunts have for their hounds. This time Holly Nicholls of the Cury Hunt can be seen striking a dog, while Martyn Toman is caught on camera inappropriately scruffing another hound. Check out this video from WCHS: […]