Friday the 13th may be considered a day of bad luck by some, but for Trail Hunting, November 13th, 2020, will be remembered as the day it was exposed for the lies it has spread/ These are the final days of Fox hunting and time to consign it to the history books forever.
MFHA Webinar reveals the lies about Trail Hunting
Those caught out by the publication of a secret ‘training meeting’ for Hunt Masters and staff include Lord Benjamin Mancroft, Chairman of the Master of the Foxhounds Association, along with other MFHA Directors, including Mark Hankinson, Hunting Office Executive Director and former Master of the Wilton Hunt, Richard Tyacke, Hunting Officer Director and former Master of the Wynnstay Hunt, and two former Police Officers, Philip Davies (the MFHA’s legal advisor) and Paul Jelley (a former Devon and Somerset Police Officer).
Hunt Saboteurs release webinar evidence of the lies of Fox Hunting
The Hunt Saboteurs Association (HSA) released a video in August 2020 that exposed key MFHA Directors and staff discussing ways to deceive the Police and Courts by falsely portraying their hunts as Trail hunting instead of live quarry hunting.
It is important to note that Trail Hunting was not a pre-existing practice before the Hunting Act was enforced in February 2005, which made hunting wild mammals with packs of hounds illegal.
The MFHA tried to adopt the name and customs of Drag Hunting, but the Masters of the Drag Hunting Association declined. They did not want to work with groups engaged in “blood sports” or share their names.
As a result, Trail Hunting was created. It is a deceptive version of the original sport of Drag Hunting, where hounds pursued a pre-determined scent trail. Trail hunters claimed to lay a scent trail for the hounds to follow but often used it as a cover-up when they accidentally killed a fox.
The aim of MFHA Zoom seminars was to educate ‘blood hunts’ on how to evade detection while hunting, particularly under the watchful eyes of Hunt Saboteurs. Participants are told the significance of documenting trail-laying activities, even if the trails were never laid, and the type of information that law enforcement may demand.
In a particular instance, a Hunt could dodge prosecution even when Hunt Sabs captured footage of hounds killing a fox. However, by presenting pre-recorded footage of the HuntHunt laying a trail, the Police could not establish that the fox’s murder was deliberate.
You can watch the full-length videos below
ITV News – Reports Police Investigation
These videos have caused a massive uproar on social media, with millions of people calling for the prosecution of those involved and an end to hunting altogether. The Hunters have not responded or denied any allegations, choosing instead to remain silent, likely following advice. They have only issued a few social media posts claiming their comments were taken “out of context,” but these responses were weak and not worth acknowledging. The MFHA believes they can wait out this situation.
The Countryside Alliance’s claim that the Beaufort Hunt was Trail hunting was proved wrong when ITV News aired a video of them actively hunting during the 10 pm bulletin. The hard-hitting footage shed light on the truth of the matter and brought the reality of hunting into the homes of the UK, causing public outrage.
It was confirmed by an ITV news report that the Police were investigating the allegations made during the Zoom calls. This was a significant development that we all had been hoping for.
Police investigate Fox Hunters
The investigation will be led by Deputy Chief Constable Paul Netherton, a part of Devon, Cornwall, and the National Police Chief Council. Netherton is the author of the Operational Advice on Responding to Hunting Incidents document for the National Police Chiefs Council.
Having actively opposed hunters for over thirty years, I’ve witnessed the cruelty and viciousness of fox hunting. I’ve seen foxes killed in horrific ways, but I’ve also seen many escape to freedom. From my experience, most Police Officers oppose hunting but often lack an understanding of the Hunting Act. They rarely ask to see the Terrier men’s written authorisation from the Landowner, a requirement of the act.
I’m confident that many Police forces throughout the UK have watched the MFHA Zoom videos with great interest. Hardworking Police Officers will not appreciate being treated as fools for over fifteen years, nor will they have confidence in supporting colleagues who enjoy hunting.
After news broke about the Police investigation, convincing landowners to revoke hunting permissions was essential. Many of us took to social media, and our efforts paid off when Forestry England announced the suspension of all hunting licenses on their land until the investigation concluded. This caused a ripple effect, with other significant landowners like the National Trust and United Utilities following suit and suspending hunting licenses. The mountain of opposition against hunting was growing, and wildlife campaigners were leading the charge.
Wildlife Matters Investigates
I have heard people claim that blood sports groups in the UK hold significant power. However, I disagree with this statement. They may have some influence, as many of their supporters belong to English institutions, such as Lords, Estate owners, and some Judiciary and serving/former Police officers. Additionally, they can access considerable financial and legal support within their organisation.
It is important to note that their activity of hunting wild animals with hounds is not a sport, as they claim. This pastime is condemned by the vast majority of the British public, with over 8 out of 10 people calling for a complete ban on hunting.
Hunting has suffered a fatal blow due to recent video exposure. This revelation ended the Hunters’ creation of Trail Hunting and caused a loss of trust from most British people, including those who once supported them.
As someone who has always been against hunting, I support implementing an effective ban on this activity, with strict penalties such as custodial sentences for those who violate the law.
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