The ban on hunting is routinely flouted and the way to prevent foxes being killed is to be present at the hunt, monitor and also sab if the hounds are chasing a fox. Securing convictions will ensure that those who do continue to kill foxes are fined (which is also negative publicity for the hunt, as it shows the public that they are still hunting despite it being against the law).

During the hunting season members of Brighton Animal Action are out most Saturdays monitoring the hunts to ensure the hunting ban is enforced.

The New Law

Under the new law the hunt can still meet and lay a trail for the hounds to follow. They are not allowed to kill a fox using hounds but can use the hounds to flush out a fox which can then legally be killed by a bird of prey or shot. However the birds of prey they have been seen with, such as an eagle owl, would not take a fox, only a small cub. It is now law that the hunt stewards must have paperwork from the land owners giving them permission to prevent monitors from trespassing onto their land. The stewards have to show the paperwork to the police before the hunt.

Policing

What we are finding is that the police are not informed of the new law, little or no briefing is given on the day and no paperwork is produced by the landowners stating that the hunt can use their land (which is now law). Conversely this means it is likely that the land owners have not requested that the stewards attend the hunt to prevent monitors trespassing. An absence of paperwork suggests that the hunt is also trespassing.

Unfortunately it is also apparent that the police are biased towards to the hunt and regularly turn a blind eye to the law being broken or fail to follow monitors into potentially dangerous situations. The police state that they are not present to police the hunt only to prevent a breach of the peace.

Monitoring (from the Hunt saboteurs association(HSA) website)

Monitoring a hunt involves following the hunt and capturing any law breaking on video. Quite often our mere presence is enough to make them behave but it is not always the case. We use technology such as video cameras, GPS (global positioning system) devices which accurately pinpoint locations. We also use maps to navigate the terrain and vehicles to position people quickly in the correct place.

If you ever spot anything dodgy, make a note of what happened, where and when, and note down any registration numbers or descriptions of people involved.

I want to come out monitoring/sabbing, what do I need to bring?

• video camera – if you have one spare batteries and second tape
• that days newspaper to prove the date for the tape
• maps
• clothes that keep the weather out
• shoes or boots suitable for running across muddy fields
• something to eat and drink (we are usually out until it gets dark)
• transport or money towards fuel

Glossary

Copse: a small wood
Cubbing: The killing of fox cubs by new hounds in training for the main fox hunting season. Fox cubs are easier prey and allow the hounds to develop blood lust.  This usually take place very early in the morning between the late August and mid October. This has always been illegal but due to a lack of public information goes un policed.
Digging out: Digging a fox out of its den after trapping it using a terrier, or blocking of the entrance and exits of a den before digging out the fox. This is now illegal and has always been illegal in cubbing season.
Drag hunt: a moving trail of scent for the hounds to follow, usually laid by someone on horse back or quad bike
(hounds) in cry: the hounds have found the scent of a fox and give chase. You can hear when this has happened as the dogs whimper and whine.
Hunting horn: used to encourage the dogs to give chase and to steer them in the right direction (has also been used when sabbing to confuse the hounds.
Hunt monitoring: filming the hunt so that illegal hunting can be documented and used as evidence in court to bring about a prosecution.
Hunt sabbing: sabotaging the hunt to prevent foxes being killed.
Pointing: when the hunt surround a copse which has a fox in it so that whichever way it runs it will be caught.
Steward: Hunt stewards are monitors in favour of the hunt and are there to prevent sabs from trespassing and try to ensure the hunt can continue (legally).
Terrier man: Man who trains terriers to flush foxes out of their dens.
Trail hunt: a pre laid trail for the hounds to follow

What you can do

Come and help us monitor the hunt. This is really important we go out most Saturdays and can arrange to pick you up. Get in touch  if you want to come
Contact the Hunt Saboteurs Association www.huntsabs.org.uk
Check out www.crueltyexposed.co.uk