The Newt Petition - Protect the Wild

Ban the Blackmore and Sparkford Vale Hunt from using The Newt

14039 people have taken action so far. Help us reach 15000

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Dear Edward,

I am writing to express my deep disappointment in learning that The Newt allows the Blackmore and Sparkford Vale Hunt (BSV) to meet on its land. As an establishment that prides itself on being the ‘World’s Best Boutique Hotel’, The Newt surely wouldn't want to be associated with such unsavoury characters.

Therefore, I urge you as CEO of The Newt Hotel to reconsider this decision and sever all ties with the BSV immediately.

The BSV not only has a reputation locally but indeed nationally for continued illegal activity. Just a few months ago, this hunt was exposed by Channel 4 News for a brutal fox killing resulting in suspension by their own governing body, the British Hound Sports Association. Moreover, members of the BSV have been in court twice in the last 12 months, with both resulting in convictions. One notable case is that of Charlie Mayo, son of the master of the BSV, convicted of Actual Bodily Harm, and the other being Steve Paul, terrier man for the BSV, who pleaded guilty to assault after throwing urine in the face of a young woman. Both these incidents happened during a hunt.

It is important to note that the BSV's activities violate the 2004 Hunting Act, which prohibits the pursuit and killing of wild mammals with dogs. A study conducted by Protect the Wild of the entirety of the 2022/23 hunting season found that nearly a third of the BSV's observed/monitored meets are known to have led to the pursuit and killing of a fox.

Most, if not all, of which would have been under criminal circumstances too. We can only imagine what they get up to when they know nobody is watching.

Even local authorities have taken action against the BSV. After campaigning by Action Against Foxhunting, and a petition signed by over 100,000 people, the BSV were told by Castle Cary Town Council that they could no longer use their facilities.

The Newt has a clear choice. It can continue to knowingly allow the criminal BSV Hunt to use its land, stand alongside bloodsports enthusiasts, tarnish its reputation, and risk prosecution as a complicit landowner, or it can set an example and sever all ties with immediate effect.

I urge The Newt to confirm in writing that it will no longer allow the BSV to meet on its land for the foreseeable future.

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Ban the Blackmore and Sparkford Vale Hunt from using The Newt

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