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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Veganic farmer makes clear Portman Hunt not welcome
Laurence Candy’s farm was certified to Biocyclic Vegan Standards in 2022. He’s already taken a principled stance against animal farming. Now he’s made clear that hunting is not welcome on his land either, and he has contacted the Portman Hunt to say so. Candy is the owner of Northwood Farm, which has gained publicity in […]
Fashion brand founder Johnnie Boden is a life patron of the Portman Hunt
Protect the Wild has been sent documents showing that businessman Johnnie Boden is a life patron of Dorset’s Portman Hunt. Two members of the Portman were convicted of ‘illegally hunting a fox with dogs’ in September 2024. The documents, produced by the Hunt, were provided to Two Counties Hunt Saboteurs – Somerset and Dorset (2CHS) […]
Portman Hunt: Two men convicted of fox hunting crimes
Two men from the Portman Hunt have been convicted under Section 1 of the Hunting Act. They were found guilty on 20 September, despite insisting that it is normal to lay a scent trail through barbed wire! The Portman Hunt’s Tom Lyle, who is huntsman and master, and Marcus Boundy, who is whipper-in, were filmed […]
Notorious fox hunter Mark Pearson to appear in court again
Dorset Police has announced that three fox hunters will appear in court on 7 June 2023, charged under the Hunting Act. Evidence gathered from North Dorset Hunt Saboteurs has been instrumental in charging Mark Pearson, Tom Lyle and Marcus Boundy of hunting a wild animal with dogs. Dorset Police said: “It follows an investigation by […]