Hounds Off Our Wildlife!
Hunting most wild mammals with dogs is illegal.
We advise always reporting suspicious behaviour or suspected illegal hunting to the police using 101 (dial 999 if 101 is taking too long, or the suspected crime is in progress). Make sure your called is officially logged and you are given an Incident Number. Note this number and always refer to it in any future contact with anyone about your call.
If the suspected crime is happening now then phone the Police on 999. Dial 101 for all non-urgent intelligence. Ask that your call be officially logged and for an Incident Number.
Suspicious behaviour includes:
- Dogs running uncontrolled across roads
- Dogs baying at holes in the ground
- Men armed with Terriers and spades
- People in red or black jackets on horseback riding roughshod over the countryside
- Foxes running across open fields in the daytime
- Sounds of a hunting horn
- Vehicles parked up on country lane with people apparently looking at something in the distance
- Horse or hound trespass on private property.
If you see it, report it – your call is important.
Ask the police to officially log your call and give you an Incident Number for future reference.
The Hunt Saboteurs Association may be able to respond directly to information about illegal hunting which is happening now or in the future. Tip them the wink via this link, on social media or phone 07443 148 426.
If you witness ‘hunt havoc’ – hounds invading private property, damaging crops, stampeding and killing livestock, running through gardens, killing pet cats and dogs, and causing accidents on roads and railway lines etc – and prefer not to contact the Police Wildlife Crimeline then you can also telephone the League Against Cruel Sports on 01483 361 108 or email them on info@league.org.uk (please include full name and contact details).
It is also good to write to your local press to raise awareness.
For more information on what to do look here.
Click here for information on Helping an Injured Animal.