Man and hunting group in court over fox death

A hunting group and a Warwickshire man have appeared in court charged with hunting a wild mammal with dogs, after a fox died.

Warwickshire Hunt Limited and 24-year-old Benjamin Halsall from Shipston-on-Stour pleaded not guilty to the charge under the Hunting Act 2004.

Coventry Magistrates' Court was shown video footage filmed by a hunt saboteur during an incident in the Idlicote area of Warwickshire on 9 October 2023 when it is alleged a pack of hounds was involved in the death of the fox.

The case is being heard by District Judge David Murray and is expected to conclude on Monday.

The prosecution claimed that Mr Halsall, described as the Whipper-In, was the eyes and ears of the hunt.

He was on horseback and the court was told his job was to spot any wild animal breaking cover and ensure the pack of hounds did not give chase.

It is alleged that Mr Halsall made no move and did not shout any warning to the dogs.

The court was shown bodycam video taken by Rebecca Forrester from Three Counties Hunt Sabateurs, which showed her trying to get between the fox and the hounds, but the fox was instantly killed by the pack of dogs.

Both Benjamin Halsall and Warwickshire Hunt Limited deny the charge.

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