Hunt saboteurs say they will provide statements and video following an appeal by Cambridgeshire police for witnesses to an alleged fox hunt. The appeal for information was made by Cambridgeshire police last night.
“Officers investigating an alleged fox hunt in Milton on Saturday (30 November) are appealing for witnesses,” said a police spokesperson.
“Police were called at about 11.45am, with officers attending to speak to those at the scene.
“Investigating officers are particularly keen to speak to anyone who was playing golf at the nearby course.”
The spokesperson said that anyone who witnessed what happened should contact police online or by calling 101 quoting 35/87242/24.
Beds and Bucks Hunt Sabs were out in force on the day with members of the Peterborough Hunt Sabs and South Cambs Hunt Saboteurs .
“Between us we were effectively surrounding the park and ready to react, taking positions on public rights of way where available and the surrounding roads,” said a spokesperson for the Beds and Bucks Hunts Sab.
The spokesperson said they were compiling a full report on what they witnessed and filmed, and it would take a few days to put it all together.
“The police attended but statements will be given, and evidence submitted,” said the spokesperson.
“That’s all we’ll say for now.”
On their website, the Fitzwilliam Hunt says: “Hunting can be a controversial subject. We believe in what we do, but we respect the right of other people not to agree with us.
“However, before you make up your mind on hunting, please do come and visit us and see it for yourself. We are proud of the contribution we make to the local community, to farming and conservation and to the rural economy.
“If you would like to come out for a day with the Fitzwilliam (you don’t need a horse – for every person who hunts on a horse, five or six follow hounds in cars, on bicycles or on their feet) then contact the Hunt Secretaries via the contact details on the Contacts page.”
The Fitzwilliam Hunt is insistent it acts within the law.
“We consider the Hunting Act 2004 to be an ill thought-out piece of legislation that is harmful to the hunted species, the environments in which they live and the rural economies that surround them,” it says.
“However, we are law-abiding people and whilst it remains in force, the Fitzwilliam will continue to hunt within the law, providing activities for our Hunt Followers and services to farmers and landowners.
“In parallel with this, we remain active in seeking repeal of this law.”
Beds and Bucks Hunt Sabs said they stayed following the events of Saturday after police had left.
The spokesperson said it was well into darkness before Fitzwilliam Hunt packed up and “by this time the field of approximately 30-40 riders had long since departed” and only a small field of three riders stayed till the end.
Beds and Bucks Hunt Sabs describe themselves as a “sab group covering the Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire area, stopping illegal and immoral blood sports through non-violent direct action”.
The Fitzwilliam Hunt at Milton near Peterborough on Saturday November 30. Photo credit: Beds and Bucks Hunt Sabs
