Published Date:
22 July 2010
THE HUNTSMAN of the Fernie Hunt is to appear in court accused of using illegal hunting practices.
Huntsman Derek Hopkins, together with Kevin Allen, a terrierman, are being prosecuted for alleged offences under the Hunting Act 2004 and the Protection of Badgers Act 1992.
One of the alleged offences involved disturbing a badger's sett.
They are said to have taken place in Thorpe Langton on January 27.
It is alleged the men were caught on film by a team of observers working for anti-hunting group the League Against Cruel Sports.
The pair will appear at Harborough Magistrates Court on August 19.
The Hunting Act came into force in February 2005 and bans hunts from using dogs to kill foxes.
But the Fernie, which has been hunting in the area for nearly 150 years, continues to hunt using alternative practices such as scent trails.
The Countryside Alliance said it would be supporting the Fernie during the court proceedings.
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Last Updated:
22 July 2010 12:47 PM
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Source:
n/a
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Location:
Market Harborough
