Colchester: Hunters deny chasing fox (From Gazette)

Colchester: Hunters deny chasing fox

10:12am Friday 16th November 2007 in News By Emily Parsons

Police were called to an alleged fox hunt in Friday Woods, Colchester.

A Berechurch resident called officers after spotting about 10 riders and about 30 hounds racing through the woods at noon on Wednesday.

The caller claimed they had heard someone shout: "The fox went this way."

The Hunting Act 2004, which came into force in February 2005, makes it an offence to hunt a wild mammal with a dog.

Under the legislation, hunting foxes with dogs is illegal, but hounds can be used to follow a pre-laid scent.

The man said that the hunt may have disturbed a fox en route, but insisted they were carrying out a legal drag hunt only.

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