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Deer Hunting With Dogs On The In 2018/19 A Report by Somerset Wildlife Crime and Hounds Off

HOUNDS OFF Protecting You From Hunt Trespass

1. Introduction 2

2. Background 3-4

3. Quantock Stag Hounds Fixture List 2018/19 5-6

4. National Trust 7-10

5. Forestry Commission 11-12

6. Other Landowners 13-14

7. Firearms 15-18

8. Biosecurity 19-20

9. Policing 21-24

10. Anti Social Behaviour, Threats & Assaults 25-26

11. Tracks & Rights Of Way 27-28

12. Road Safety 29-30

13. Cruelty Of Deer Hunting With Dogs 31-34

14. Public Outreach 35-36

15. How You Can Help This Campaign 37

16. Conclusions 38

17. From the Heart 39-40

Deer Hunting With Dogs On The Quantock Hills In Somerset 2018/19 A Report by Somerset Wildlife Crime and Hounds Off

Closing in for the kill, 11/04/19.

1 Deer Hunting With Dogs On The Quantock Hills In Somerset 2018/19 A Report by Somerset Wildlife Crime and Hounds Off

1. Introduction

1.1 In response to requests from local residents, in August 2018 we (Somerset Wildlife Crime and Hounds Off) began a focused campaign to shine a light on modern day deer hunting with dogs. (1)

1.2 Throughout the 2018/19 hunting season the Quantock Stag Hounds (QSH) chased red deer with pairs of dogs plus the eyes, ears, binoculars, mobile phones and two-way radios of their supporters on horseback, motorbikes, quadbikes, four-wheel drives and on foot.

1.3 Deer were killed by running them to exhaustion and then shooting from close range.

1.4 We know of 63 occasions when the QSH went out hunting during the 2018-2019 season, on Mondays and Thursdays between late August and the end of April plus a few extra days. As volunteer Hunt Monitors, we followed them on 27 of these. We have uncovered a catalogue of cruelty and lawlessness, are educating the public and working with relevant authorities and stakeholders to protect red deer on the Quantock Hills and surrounding areas.

1.5 The purpose of this Report is to make our findings public, ask questions and offer solutions.

(1) Staghunting – And So It Continues, J. Hashman, 03/03/2019, http://www.houndsoff.co.uk/archives/staghunting-and-so-it-continues. 2 Deer Hunting With Dogs On The Quantock Hills In Somerset 2018/19 A Report by Somerset Wildlife Crime and Hounds Off

2. Background

2.1 The Quantock Stag Hounds (QSH) hunt red deer with dogs on and around the Quantock Hills in Somerset, mostly between and the but also over the Hills towards . (2)

2.2 Male red deer (stags) may be hunted anytime between August and April. Females (hinds) may only be hunted November through February.

2.3 Deer hunting with dogs (also known as ‘staghunting’) should have been consigned to the history books fourteen years ago when the Hunting Act (2004) came in to force. (3)

2.4 However, the exploitation of loopholes within the Hunting Act alongside what is widely believed to be the false alibi of ‘trailhunting’ have enabled the QSH to subvert the law and continue their activities, albeit in a slightly modified form. (4)

2.5 Despite this, the QSH Huntsman has been twice convicted for Hunting Act offences. (5)

2.6 In a further case heard at Taunton Magistrates Court during November 2018, the QSH Huntsman was found Not Guilty of further Hunting Act offences. This case was brought by the Crown Prosecution Service and hinged on evidence gathered by the League Against Cruel Sports. (6)

2.7 Quantock Hills residents continue to have their lives blighted by staghunting in their neighbourhoods.

3 Deer Hunting With Dogs On The Quantock Hills In Somerset 2018/19 A Report by Somerset Wildlife Crime and Hounds Off

Fig 01: Stag at bay on compost heap in a private garden. , March 2017.

(2) Baily’s Hunting Directory 2007-2008, Pearson Publishing Ltd 2007. (3) Hunting Act 2004 https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2004/37/section/1. (4) A History Of The Quantock Staghounds, J. Whitehorn, Short Run Press Ltd, 2016. (5) First huntsman to be convicted twice under the Hunting Act, 22/10/2010 https://www.huntingact.org/news/huntsman-convicted-twice. (6) West Bagborough man Richard Down cleared of hunting illegally with Quantock Staghounds, S. Salter, Somerset County Gazette, 13/11/2018, https://www.somersetcountygazette.co.uk/news/17220865.west-bagborough-man-richard-down-cleared-of-hunting-illegally- with-quantock-staghounds. 4 Deer Hunting With Dogs On The Quantock Hills In Somerset 2018/19 A Report by Somerset Wildlife Crime and Hounds Off

3. Quantock Stag Hounds Fixture List 2018/19

We are aware of the Quantock Stag Hounds (QSH) hunting on 63 days during the 2018/19 season. Our teams were present on 27 of these occasions, shown here in bold type.

August 2018 Thursday 30

September 2018 Monday 3 Park Gate Thursday 6 Haddon Monday 10 Owls Hill Farm, Broomfield Thursday 13 Carew Arms, Crowcombe (Opening Meet) Monday 17 Forches Cross, Thursday 20 Sixty Acres Monday 24 Plainsfield Thursday 27 Haddon

October 2018 Monday 1 Higher Vexford Farm, Thursday 4 Haddon Monday 8 Higher Terhill, Bagborough Thursday 11 Monday 15 Cothelstone point to point course Thursday 18 Rydon Farm, Thursday 25 Sixty Acres, Crowcombe Heathfield Monday 29 Crowcombe Park Gate

November 2018 Monday 19 Crowcombe Park Gate Thursday 22 Dead Woman's Ditch Thursday 29 Sixty Acres, Crowcombe Heathfield

December 2018 Monday 3 Triscombe Stone Thursday 6 Tiverton country, by invitation Monday 10 Sixty Acres, Crowcombe Heathfield Thursday 13 Venn Farm, Upton Monday 17 Broad Down Farm, Enmore Monday 20 Whitstones, Porlock Thursday 24 Crowcombe Park Gate (Children's Meet) Monday 26 Carew Arms

5 Deer Hunting With Dogs On The Quantock Hills In Somerset 2018/19 A Report by Somerset Wildlife Crime and Hounds Off

January 2019 Tuesday 1 Bicknoller Inn Thursday 3 Dead Woman’s Ditch Monday 7 Lydeard Hill Car Park Thursday 10 Haddon Monday 14 7 Mile Stone, Cothelstone Monday 21 Sixty Acres Thursday 24 Whitstones Porlock Monday 28 Staple Plain Car Park Thursday 31 Crowcombe Park Gate

February 2019 Monday 4 Triscombe Stone Thursday 7 Car Park Monday 11 Owls Hill Farm Thursday 14 Forches Cross Monday 18 Bagborough Cricket Ground Monday 25 Sixty Acres Thursday 28 Haddon

March 2019 Monday 4 Owls Hill Farm, Broomfield Thursday 7 Haddon Monday 11 Farm, Countisbury Thursday 14 Leigh Crossing, Sixty Acres Monday 18 Miltons Farm, Bagborough Thursday 21 Whitstones, Porlock Monday 25 Pepper Hill, Plainsfield Thursday 28 Crowcombe Park Gate

April 2019 Monday 1 Staple Farm, West Quantoxhead Thursday 4 The Anchor Inn Exbridge Monday 8 The Farmers Arms, Combe Florey Thursday 11 Weacombe Barns Saturday 13 Zeal Farm, Hawkridge, Dulverton Monday 15 Milton Farm, Bagborough Thursday 18 Buckethole, Porlock Saturday 20 Lowtrow Cross Tuesday 23 Carew Arms, Crowcombe (Children's Meet) Friday 26 Honeymeade Cross, (Huntsmans Testimonial) Monday 29 Bagborough House (To End Season)

6 Deer Hunting With Dogs On The Quantock Hills In Somerset 2018/19 A Report by Somerset Wildlife Crime and Hounds Off

4. National Trust

4.1 In April 1995 the National Trust Ruling Council invited Professor Patrick Bateson of Cambridge University to conduct a two-year scientific study into the welfare implications of hunting red deer with dogs.

4.2 Professor Bateson and his team conducted their study with the full co-operation of deer hunters in Devon and Somerset and the League Against Cruel Sports.

4.3 The findings were published as ‘The Behavioral and Physiological Effects of Culling Red Deer’ (aka ‘The Bateson Report’). (7)

4.4 The evidence of cruelty inherent in deer hunting with dogs and the proven effects of suffering caused to deer, regardless of whether they were killed or not, stunned all concerned. Consequently, in April 1997 the National Trust Ruling Council agreed not to renew any licences for the Quantock Stag Hounds (QSH) to hunt deer on its land. (8)

4.5 To our knowledge the National Trust have never enforced their own ban on deer hunting with dogs.

4.6 The Hunting Act (2004) should have been the end of the QSH. Indeed, their Huntsman has been convicted twice for Hunting Act offences. However, they have exploited legal loopholes and created alibis to circumvent the law (and the spirit of the law).

4.7 At the National Trust 2018 AGM, in response to a question about what it was doing to prevent deer hunting with dogs on its land, Mark Harold (Director of Land & Nature) said;

“The packs of hounds themselves, the Hunts, know that they aren't permitted on Trust land and we have our own staff out on the ground who are obviously aware of when they're in the area and try to keep an eye on things... But it is difficult, you know. There are, there are big open places and we like to follow up any Incident. If we follow it up and we have conclusive evidence that there has been a trespass then we take that up with the Hunt and we’re very serious about that. The Hunts know that as well. So you're right to allude to how difficult it is to monitor in those areas and we do take seriously any reports that we have and we investigate those as well but that's the best, the best we can do.”

4.8 Our teams monitored 42% (27) of known QSH hunting days (63) throughout the 2018/19 season and in 30% (8) of these the QSH trespassed into National Trust land.

4.9 Trespassing onto National Trust land has included with horses, dogs, vehicles and foot followers.

4.10 If the National Trust enforced it's ban on deer hunting with dogs then the QSH would find it very difficult to operate over large areas of the Quantock Hills.

7 Deer Hunting With Dogs On The Quantock Hills In Somerset 2018/19 A Report by Somerset Wildlife Crime and Hounds Off

4.11 On 28/01/19 the QSH started their days hunting in the National Trust Car Park at Staple Plain, West Quantoxhead. (9)

4.12 At the gathering they held a fundraising Whisky Raffle and tried to sell tickets to anyone in the Car Park, including Hunt Monitors.

4.13 In an email to us from the National Trust dated 29/05/19 it was confirmed that, “Fundraising activity from other organisations is not allowed on NT land as we are a charity ourselves and actively fundraise.”

4.14 Further unlicenced hunting took place on NT land between 2pm and 3pm.

Fig 02: QSH raffle ticket seller tries to tempt our team. Staple Plain Car Park, 28/01/19.

8 Deer Hunting With Dogs On The Quantock Hills In Somerset 2018/19 A Report by Somerset Wildlife Crime and Hounds Off

4.15 On 18/03/19 the QSH met at Milton Farm, Bagborough.

. At about 1.30pm we had parked on the main A358 and were observing QSH riders and supporters on quad bikes on National Trust land on Bicknoller Hill.

. Shortly after a stag was roused from a disused quarry and ran across an ancient monument called Trendle Ring, which is on National Trust land. This stag was being shadowed by hunt riders and two hounds, the latter of which were hunting the scent.

. We reported this unlicensed trespass to the National Trust at Fyne Court and also the , who are currently investigating.

. The stag was hunted by the QSH over Weacombe Hill and Beacon Hill, all on National Trust property, and then into St Audrie’s Deer Park which is owned by the Forestry Commission and also supposedly out of bounds to them.

. The stag was caught and killed to the west of at around 3pm.

Fig 03: QSH riders shadow the hunted stag (arrowed) over Trendle Ring, which is land owned by the National Trust. Hounds, though out of sight in this video grab, are close behind and locked onto the scent. From Milton Farm, Bagborough, 18/03/19.

9 Deer Hunting With Dogs On The Quantock Hills In Somerset 2018/19 A Report by Somerset Wildlife Crime and Hounds Off

4.16 As an initial response, we advise the National Trust to send a Warning Off Letter* complete with property maps showing property boundaries, to the QSH, to: Quantock Stag Hounds Masters, c/o The Kennels, Smokeham Lane, West Bagborough, Taunton, TA4 3EU.

4.17 In addition, we urge the National Trust to deploy staff on hunting days next season (2019/20) as a visible deterrent, to gather evidence where trespass occurs and to work with us in compiling a dossier which can be used for any civil proceedings or legal action which may follow.

* “We are writing to inform you that our property is closed at all times to the horses, hounds, officials, followers and any other individual connected with the Quantock Stag Hounds.

We therefore request that no unauthorised entry occurs on our property by any of the above. Further, we ask you to inform us in advance when your Hunt is likely to be present in our locality.

Please find attached a map of all National Trust properties in the area of the Quantock Hills, including the boundaries, for your information.”

The full link for a more detailed letter can be found here: http://www.houndsoff.co.uk/action-advice/landowners-farmers-residents/warn-off-your-local-hunt- belt-braces-approach

How you can help

. Write to the National Trust Director General as ask what the National Trust is doing to enforce its own ban on deer hunting with dogs.

By Post: Hilary McGrady, National Trust Director General, Heelis, Kemble Drive, Swindon, Wiltshire SN2 2NA.

By Email: [email protected]

(7) Physiological effects of hunting red deer (Cervus elaphus), P. Bateson & E.L. Bradshaw, The Royal Society, 1997. (8) National Trust drives out stag hunting, N. Schoon, The Independent, 11/04/1997. (9) Quantock Stag Hounds Meet, Fundraise & Hunt On National Trust Land 28/01/19, J. Hashman, 29/01/2019, http://www.houndsoff.co.uk/archives/quantock-stag-hounds-meet-fundraise-hunt-on-national-trust-land-28-01-19. 10 Deer Hunting With Dogs On The Quantock Hills In Somerset 2018/19 A Report by Somerset Wildlife Crime and Hounds Off

5. Forestry Commission

5.1 Deer hunting with dogs on publicly owned land was banned after The Bateson Report was published in 1997 (see Section 4, page 7).

5.2 Forestry Commission land is publicly owned and so large chunks of the Quantock Hills were made out of bounds to the Quantock Stag Hounds (QSH). These woodlands are of strategic importance to the QSH because it is very difficult to hunt red deer over the Hills for long without them running into Forestry Commission land sooner or later.

5.3 The QSH were so worried about losing Forestry Commission land that neighbouring Stag Hunts made some of their land available, in order that the QSH could carry on.

5.4 It would appear that after initial caution, the QSH have hunted deer with dogs on Forestry Commission land freely until only last year.

5.5 We monitored 42% (27) of known QSH hunting days (63) throughout the 2018/19 season and on 22% (6) of these the QSH trespassed into Forestry Commission land.

5.6 We have informed Forestry Commission Staff whenever the QSH were in their area. On numerous occasions they have located the QSH and asked them to leave forbidden Forestry Commission property.

5.7 It is not just animal welfare which is compromised whenever the QSH trespass onto Forestry Commission property but also public safety. Forestry Commission land is open access and popular with students, tourists and others who wish to partake in peaceful recreation. Many QSH officials and followers carry firearms and show scant regard for standard safety procedures. We have raised our concerns with the Forestry Commission and (see also Firearms, page 15).

5.8 See Case Study 4.15 (page 9).

11 Deer Hunting With Dogs On The Quantock Hills In Somerset 2018/19 A Report by Somerset Wildlife Crime and Hounds Off

Fig 04: In a remote place high on the Hills, QSH hunters and their dogs keep close to the hunted stag (arrowed) literally seconds before he collapses in heather and is shot. From The Farmers Arms, Combe Florey, 08/04/19.

5.9 We urge the Forestry Commission to send a Warning Off Letter* complete with property maps showing property boundaries, to the QSH, to: Quantock Stag Hounds Masters, c/o The Kennels, Smokeham Lane, West Bagborough, Taunton, TA4 3EU.

5.10 In addition, we urge the Forestry Commission to deploy staff on hunting days next season (2019/20) as a visible deterrent, to gather evidence where trespass occurs and to work with us in compiling a dossier which can be used for any civil proceedings or legal action which may be neccasary to stop this problem.

* “We are writing to inform you that our property is closed at all times to the horses, hounds, officials, followers and any other individual connected with the Quantock Stag Hounds.

We therefore request that no unauthorised entry occurs on our property by any of the above. Further, we ask you to inform us in advance when your Hunt is likely to be present in our locality.

Please find attached a map of Forest Commission properties on the Quantock Hills and surrounding area, including boundaries, for your information.”

The full link for a more detailed letter can be found here: http://www.houndsoff.co.uk/action-advice/landowners-farmers-residents/warn-off-your-local-hunt- belt-braces-approach 12 Deer Hunting With Dogs On The Quantock Hills In Somerset 2018/19 A Report by Somerset Wildlife Crime and Hounds Off

6. Other Landowners

6.1 Traditionally the Quantock Stag Hounds (QSH) would go wherever the hunted deer took them with little or no opposition from farmers or landowners. But times have changed. Aside from restrictions placed on them by the National Trust and Forestry Commission, other objections have been raised.

6.2 According to anecdotal evidence, on 25/10/18 a farmer at Coursley was obstructed and inconvenienced by the QSH who killed a stag nearby and used his farmyard to access and then retrieve the body.

6.3 On 17/12/18 we observed the QSH hunting for a stag in Aisholt Wood, a Somerset Wildlife Trust (SWT) Nature Reserve from which they are supposed to be forbidden. We reported this to SWT who were otherwise unaware.

6.4 On 28/02/19 we received a report that the QSH had hunted a hind (female deer) into Bessom Bridge Nature Reserve, owned by the South West Lakes Trust. Again, this is supposedly out of bounds to them.

Fig 05: Two hunting dogs lock on to their fleeing quarry (circled, centre right). Minutes later he was dead. Moments before he had taken refuge in undergrowth under a tree, with just his antlers for protection. Note the huntsman with gun (circled, left) who had failed to get in a shot before the stag ‘broke bay’ in his final bid to escape. From Sixty Acres, Crowcombe Heathfield, 25/10/18.

13 Deer Hunting With Dogs On The Quantock Hills In Somerset 2018/19 A Report by Somerset Wildlife Crime and Hounds Off

6.5 We urge all farmers, landowners and rural residents to protect their property, livestock and pets from trespass by the QSH by sending a Warning Off letter*, to: The Quantock Stag Hounds Masters, c/o The Kennels, Smokeham Lane, West Bagborough, Taunton, TA4 3EU.

* “We are writing to inform you that our property is closed at all times to the horses, hounds, officials, followers and any other individual connected with the Quantock Stag Hounds.

We therefore request that no unauthorised entry occurs on our property by any of the above. Further, we ask you to inform us in advance when your Hunt is likely to be present in my locality.

Please find attached a map of our property, including boundaries, for your information.”

The full link for a more detailed letter can be found here: http://www.houndsoff.co.uk/action-advice/landowners-farmers-residents/warn-off-your-local-hunt- belt-braces-approach

14 Deer Hunting With Dogs On The Quantock Hills In Somerset 2018/19 A Report by Somerset Wildlife Crime and Hounds Off

7. Firearms

7.1 We are informed that on any Quantock Stag Hounds (QSH) hunt day there are numerous firearms out on the Quantock Hills.

7.2 We believe that short barreled shot guns are carried on the side of saddles, in vehicles such as four wheeled drives and quad bikes. One supporter appears to transport a firearm on the side of his motorbike and his index plate is habitually concealed by mud.

7.3 In addition to short barreled shot guns, some QSH personnel carry revolver-type hand guns.

7.4 ‘Short Firearms’, as the Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997 describes them, were prohibited and added to Section 5 alongside machine guns, mortar bombs, hand grenades and such.

7.5 However, for those who hold a firearm certificate with one of these firearms on it and for use in connection with an approved purpose, these firearms fall under Section 1. For anyone else these firearms are a Section 5 prohibited firearm, which could result in a custodial sentence.

7.6 These are some of the most tightly controlled firearms in the UK and are supposed to be strictly regulated. We have reported to Avon and Somerset Police what we believe to be unauthorised handling of these firearms by hunt staff whilst on the public highway although to our knowledge Firearms Licencing has felt that no action is required.

7.7 There are unknown quantities of short barreled shot guns and Section 5 firearms being carried by unidentified individuals throughout QSH hunt days, on and off public highways, across open access land and during trespass on National Trust and Forestry Commission land.

15 Deer Hunting With Dogs On The Quantock Hills In Somerset 2018/19 A Report by Somerset Wildlife Crime and Hounds Off

Fig 06: A QSH rider removes his gun from its holster for another to hold whilst he changes from one tired horse to another fresh one. From Forches Cross, Brompton Ralph, 17/09/18.

7.8 On 24/09/18 the QSH were hunting a stag in woodlands belonging to the Forestry Commission at , on which the QSH are not permitted (except for public bridleways). During this part of the day two groups of students from Bridgewater and Taunton College were in the area undertaking a tree identification study project. The students and their course leaders were unaware of the presence of firearms and as such unable to make an informed risk assessment for their activity. Having spoken to the landbased course leader, the College is now reviewing its use of Forestry Commission land on days when the QSH are in the area due to concerns for the safety of their students.

7.9 On 19/11/2018 whilst two of our monitors were on the Quantock Hills they encountered an official of the QSH in public access woodland near Holford. He had what looked like a short barreled shotgun concealed beneath his coat.

7.10 It is imperative that the carrying and use of firearms be done in a responsible and lawful manner to manage and reduce risk to members of the public who are otherwise unaware of the risk posed to them by misfire or misuse.

16 Deer Hunting With Dogs On The Quantock Hills In Somerset 2018/19 A Report by Somerset Wildlife Crime and Hounds Off

Fig 07: Who is this skulking in the woods near Holford with what looks like a gun hidden under his coat? From Crowcombe Park Gate, 19/11/18.

Fig 08: This QSH supporter habitually carries a firearm on the side of his bike. 17 Deer Hunting With Dogs On The Quantock Hills In Somerset 2018/19 A Report by Somerset Wildlife Crime and Hounds Off

How you can help

. Write to the Firearms Department of Avon and Somerset Police expressing concerns about the number of unregulated Firearms on the Quantock Hills.

By Post: Police & Fire Headquarters, Firearms Licencing, PO Box 3259, Bristol BS2 2EJ.

By Email: [email protected]

. Contact the National Trust and ask them this; Have they carried out any Risk Assessment relating to the use of firearms on their properties?

By Post: National Trust, Heelis, Kemble Drive, Swindon, Wiltshire SN2 2NA.

By Email: [email protected]

18 Deer Hunting With Dogs On The Quantock Hills In Somerset 2018/19 A Report by Somerset Wildlife Crime and Hounds Off

8. Biosecurity

8.1 Livestock diseases are a serious issue for farmers and the rural community.

8.2 The Government has published a guidance document enitled ‘Disease prevention for livestock and poultry keepers’ in 2015. This document details some of the main ways in which farm animal and bird diseases are spread. (10)

8.3 Farm animal diseases are spread by, “animals moving between and within farms and, in particular, the introduction of new animals.” On a typical Quantock Stag Hounds (QSH) hunting day, imported horses and dogs plus disturbed wildlife all move within and between farms, woodland and open country.

8.4 Farm animal diseases are spread by, “movement of people, especially workers, between and within farms.” On a typical QSH hunting day, people will try to follow the action (sometimes in large numbers) and as they do so they move within and between farms, woodland and open country.

8.5 Farm animal diseases are spread by, “farm visitors – people, pets, equipment and vehicles.” On a typical hunting day the QSH comprise people, pets/working animals, equipment and vehicles.

8.6 Disease control is known as ‘biosecurity’. One of a number of biosecurity measures suggested by the Government states, “have pressure washers, brushes, hoses, water and disinfectant available, and make sure visitors use them.” We have never seen any of the above in use and seriously doubt if they ever are.

8.7 We believe that the activities of the QSH seriously compromise biosecurity on farms and the Hills.

8.8 On 08/04/19 QSH meet at The Farmers Arms, Combe Florey.

. Horses and hounds left the pub at about 11.30am and made their way via roads and green lanes to woodlands at Crowcombe Heathfield.

. Between 12pm and 2.12pm hours they hunted a stag from farmland up onto the Quantock Hills and killed him in a remote place between Crowcombe and Holford.

. The dead stag was loaded onto a quad bike and taken to Crowcombe Park Gate. Our team tried to film at this stage but hunt supporters created a very hostile environment and prevented us from doing so. They told our team that the stag “was riddled with TB.”

. A further claim that this stag was “covered in ticks and riddled with TB” was made by a prominent member of the QSH on social media (see Fig 09).

19 Deer Hunting With Dogs On The Quantock Hills In Somerset 2018/19 A Report by Somerset Wildlife Crime and Hounds Off

. Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is a notifiable disease and DEFRA must be informed of any suspected case.

. According to thedeerinitiative.co.uk and Wales Best Practice Guides, “If you find a suspect carcass continue processing/taking samples with care. Wear protective clothing that you can wash immediately, have appropriate disinfectant to hand and wear rubber gloves.”

. We did not see any of the above biosecurity measures in place.

. Subsequently, a Freedom Of Information request made by us to DEFRA (ref: ATIC1700) has confirmed that the QSH did not report this, or any other, case of tuberculosis (TB) or bovine tuberculosis (bTB) to them during April 2019.

. We have to ask firstly, if their claim that the stag had TB was true then why are there no official records of this?

. Secondly, if the TB claims are untrue then why?

Fig 09: On 08/04/19 supporters of the QSH told our team that the hunted stag was "riddled with TB." A prominent supporter put this in writing on social media. However, our Freedom Of Information request has shown these claims to be untrue. Why would they say such a thing?

How you can help

. Contact DEFRA and ask them what steps are in place to ensure that deer hunting with dogs is not spreading bovine tuberculosis.

By Post: DEFRA, Seacole Building, 2 Marsham Street, London SW1P 4DF.

By Email: [email protected]

(10) Disease prevention for livestock and poultry keepers, DEFRA & APHA, 21/09/2015, https://www.gov.uk/guidance/disease- prevention-for-livestock-farmers. 20 Deer Hunting With Dogs On The Quantock Hills In Somerset 2018/19 A Report by Somerset Wildlife Crime and Hounds Off

9. Policing

9.1 We maintain close communication with local police from both and stations. We regularly report incidents including anti social behavior. During the course of the 2018/19 season we have found the police to be attentive and efficient in dealing with most concerns at a local level.

9.2 On 29/03/19 we sent a report to the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Avon and Somerset Constabulary, Sue Mountstevens, in which we raised several concerns relating to the activities of the Quantock Stag Hounds (QSH). She acknowledged that there is a lack of “analytical data” across the force area relating to hunting and encouraged reporting of any crime.

9.3 Superintendant Mike Prior is endeavoring to collate rural offending in key areas and hunting is one of those areas.

9.4 Following on from our efforts in reporting incidents and informing the police of issues on an intelligence basis, Sgt. Daniel Bishop is in the process of reviewing a “problem solving plan” for the Quantock Hills. We are told that Police Community Support Officers (PCSO) “will form a visible presence moving forward, ensuring road traffic and public safety are monitored.”

9.5 PCC Mountstevens told us that a PCSO will be assigned to attend all events on the Quantock Hills as a visible presence to “support the events and all parties involved.” This is a hugely positive response which we hope will improve the current precarious and at times dangerous environment created by the QSH.

9.6 The presence of firearms, horses, quad bikes and dozens of four wheeled drives on hunt days is in itself worthy of a police presence. The fact that all these elements are coming together on public highways and open access land where members of the local community are engaging in everyday activities such as hiking, mountain biking, school field trips and dog walking only serves to further justify a police presence.

9.7 In addition to the seriousness of the situation and the elevated ‘threat/harm/risk’ status which these elements create, there is the illegal use of the tracks on the Quantock Hills by vehicles driven by QSH followers and organisers.

9.8 Natural England (NE) has issued a map and documents detailing the ‘permitted’ tracks which QSH organisers and supporters have consent to use (see Fig 13, p28) and confirms that “Driving a mechanically propelled vehicle without lawful authority on common land, moorland or land not forming part of a road, or any road which is a footpath, bridleway or restricted byway is a criminal offence.”

9.9 QSH organisers and supporters are not complying with this restriction and regularly drive vehicles off the ‘permitted’ tracks which is degrading the fragile natural environment. Indeed, in an email dated 08/05/19 an official of the Somerset Conservation Team admits, “we are aware that they [QSH associated vehicles] have been causing damage to the tracks and surrounding habitats.”

21 Deer Hunting With Dogs On The Quantock Hills In Somerset 2018/19 A Report by Somerset Wildlife Crime and Hounds Off

9.10 Close monitoring and documenting vehicles which drive off ‘permitted’ track is essential, with all instances reported both to NE and the police.

Fig 10: After a successful hunt the stag was cut up for trophies at Staple Farm, West Quantoxhead. Nobody wanted to miss this part of the days bloody ‘sport’. From Terhill, Bagborough, 08/10/18.

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Fig 11: QSH supporters drive all over the Quantock Hills in order to watch and often assist in deer hunting with dogs. This scene on West Hill from 11/04/19 is typical.

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How you can help

. If you are out and about on the Quantock Hills and you suspect illegal hunting is happening call the police on 999. Always make sure that your call is recorded by asking for, and noting, a Log Number.

. Contact the Police and Crime Commissioner. Ask her to read this report and deliver on her promises.

By Post: Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner, Police Headquarters, Valley Road, Portishead BS20 8JJ.

By Email: [email protected]

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10. Anti Social Behaviour, Threats & Assaults

10.1 During the course of the 2018/19 Quantock Stag Hounds (QSH) hunting season our teams have been subjected to verbal threats, assaults and interference with our vehicles. None of these have resulted in serious harm or damage but the fact that these scenarios occur is unacceptable.

10.2 Our presence as Hunt Monitors is always passive. We operate within the law at all times. We do not impede or intervene in any way with the hunting activities. We maintain a presence on public land using video cameras to document our observations.

10.3 Some of the incidents reported to Avon and Somerset Police when QSH followers or riders have been threatening or antisocial include:

10.4 October 2018; Advise was sought from local Minehead officers following a particularly tense stand off at Rexton Gorse near Crowcombe when we were surrounded by hunt support and veiled threats were made about destroying our cameras.

10.5 February 2019; A complaint by Hunt Monitors against a QSH supporter of assault has been filed (see Fig 12).

10.6 March 2019; A hunt supporter who repeatedly used his motor vehicle as a weapon, was threatening and abusive got issued with a Section 59 (Road Traffic Act - “vehicle used in a manner causing alarm, distress and annoyance”.)

10.7 March 2019; Words of advice given by officers to a QSH supporter who threatened a Hunt Monitor and drove his motorbike in a way which caused alarm and distress.

10.8 April 2019; Words of advice given to members of QSH supporters who crowded around our vehicle at Crowcombe Park Gate. Hunt Monitors were called “paedophiles”, veiled threats were made to property and one QSH rider dismounted to physically prevent filming. Fortunately a tactical withdrawal was negotiated without further escalation.

10.9 A visible police presence will certainly improve the situation, reduce risk and improve public safety for the local community and anyone engaging in activities on the Quantock Hills.

10.10 Firearms Licensing should carry out ongoing and thorough spot checks especially regarding the transportation of loaded firearms.

10.11 In addition to firearms and anti social behaviour police resources would be beneficial in addressing:

. The use of incorrectly licenced quad bikes.

. Unsafe carriage on quad bikes (two or more riders is commonplace).

25 Deer Hunting With Dogs On The Quantock Hills In Somerset 2018/19 A Report by Somerset Wildlife Crime and Hounds Off

. The illegitimate use of red diesel.

. Driving off-road and illegally on and off tracks.

. Spot checking adequate insurance cover is in place in the event of an accident.

10.12 We do have to ask, what have the QSH got to hide?

Fig 12: One of our team is assaulted by a QSH supporter on public open access land at Haddon Hill, 07/02/19.

26 Deer Hunting With Dogs On The Quantock Hills In Somerset 2018/19 A Report by Somerset Wildlife Crime and Hounds Off

11. Tracks & Rights Of Way

11.1 The Quantock Hills are an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), which means that its distinctive character, natural beauty and cultural heritage are so outstanding that it is in the nation’s interest to safeguard them. The area received its protected status in 1956. (11)

11.2 Much of the the Quantock Hills AONB is also a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The reasons for SSSI designation are varied but principally because the Quantock Hills comprise “one of the most extensive semi-natural habitat in .” (12)

11.3 The Quantock Stag Hounds (QSH) make use of the open access land on the Quantock Hills, private property, public footpaths, bridleways and highways and the various tracks across the Hills (both the tracks they are permitted to use and the ones which they are not permitted to use). They do not stay on tracks and ride across the SSSI.

11.4 Many QSH supporters drive vehicles out on to the Hills themselves to view (and often assist) the hunting of deer. Quadbikes and four wheel drive vehicles are employed to retrieve deer once killed. In doing so they break the law by driving off permitted tracks and across the SSSI.

11.5 When we have been aware of the QSH using tracks where they are not permitted or driving across the Hills we have reported this to Quantock Hills AONB Rangers (employed by ).

11.6 We have raised concerns with local police regarding the vehicles on the Hills.

11.7 From making enquiries with various insurers we have yet to find an insurance company who will cover driving off-road. Certainly illegal off-road driving would invalidate any motor insurance policy.

11.8 We have had communication from various groups who have interests on the Quantock Hills. All express concerns regarding the sheer volume of QSH associated vehicles driving across fragile landscapes.

11.9 In an email dated 08/05/19 an official of the Somerset Conservation Team wrote to us and said, “we are aware that they [QSH associated vehicles] have been causing damage to the tracks and surrounding habitats.”

11.10 As an AONB and SSSI the Quantock Hills are protected and their use regulated by Natural England, and the police where relevant. However, there appears to be a ‘blind spot’ when it comes to enforcing restrictions and the law when it comes to the activities of the QSH.

27 Deer Hunting With Dogs On The Quantock Hills In Somerset 2018/19 A Report by Somerset Wildlife Crime and Hounds Off

11.11 Lack of clarity regarding where motor vehicles can be lawfully driven has made policing difficult. But we now have a detailed map illustrating where QSH associated vehicles can legally drive (Fig 13). It is now clear that the QSH organisers and supporters are driving motor vehicles on land which they are not legally permitted. This map needs to be referred to by the police and Rangers in order to prevent ongoing illegal use of the tracks.

Fig 13: Endorsed by Natural England plus Avon and Somerset Constabulary, this map shows where QSH supporters can and cannot drive.

How you can help

. Write to Natural England and ask them to enforce their highways and byeways regulations.

By Post: Lead Advisor – Somerset Conservation Team, Natural England, Rivers House, East Quay, , Somerset TA6 4YS.

By Email: [email protected]

(11) An Ecological Baseline Study of the Friends Of Quantock Landholding on the Quantock Common, L. Pearson, Friends Of Quantock, 2018. (12) An Ecological Baseline Study of the Friends Of Quantock Landholding on the Quantock Common, L. Pearson, Friends Of Quantock, 2018. 28 Deer Hunting With Dogs On The Quantock Hills In Somerset 2018/19 A Report by Somerset Wildlife Crime and Hounds Off

12. Road Safety

12.1 On a hunt day the Quantock Stag Hounds (QSH) can have in excess of 50 vehicles following them. These followers all pay a fee to the QSH (called a “cap”) for the privilege of watching. It is unclear where this income is registered or how the collection of “cap” money is regulated.

12.2 Nuisance and danger are caused to locals and other road users by the high volume of QSH supporters vehicles clogging country lanes and villages due to sheer volume, driving at great speeds during times of high excitement and often being parked inconsiderately or dangerously during the lulls in-between.

12.3 Vehicle supporters use the A39 and A358 and all the inter-connecting lanes through the villages around and across the Hills in order to get a ‘view’ of the hunted deer and assist QSH officials by communicating via radios and mobile phones.

12.4 QSH followers will use their vehicles as a means to ‘trap’ the deer from escaping or prevent their quarry from entering forbidden areas such as National Trust land, Forestry Commission woods or other Nature Reserves. Vehicles may be positioned to create a physical barrier or, during a fast-moving hunt, drivers will sound their horns and passengers slap their car doors with their hands to “turn” the deer. On these occasions there is almost no awareness of road safety (see Fig 14).

12.5 Alcohol is consumed at start of the day (the ‘Meet’) and routinely some followers gather at the QSH kennels in West Bagborough for an end of day drink in the ‘Antler Inn’ (a room at the kennels where deer carcasses are hung).

12.6 On occasion QSH supporters have used their vehicles in a way to menace and intimidate our teams. We have been put at risk and consequently one supporter has been issued with a Road Traffic Act Section 59 ("vehicle used in a manner causing alarm, distress and annoyance".)

12.7 It is unclear as to whether any risk assessment has been carried out regarding the activities of QSH supporters in vehicles, either by the hunt itself, Natural England, the Quantock Hills AONB Rangers, National Trust or the police. No one organisation seems to be willing to take responsibility for what is taking place.

29 Deer Hunting With Dogs On The Quantock Hills In Somerset 2018/19 A Report by Somerset Wildlife Crime and Hounds Off

12.8 17/09/2018 at Cross.

. Vehicles overtook with no indication on blind bends and corners as QSH supporters hastened to prevent a stag from crossing the B3224 and escaping into forbidden land. Quad bikes with passengers raced on the wrong side of the road. This incident was one of many when reckless road use increased the danger of a serious accident.

Fig 14: Note the blue arrow highlighting the passengers hand out of the window repeatedly slapping the door of the vehicle to frighten the stag away from the road (the stag was approaching the road from a field to the left of the images). Shouting and vehicle horns were also used to create a wall of noise. From Forches Cross, 17/09/18.

30 Deer Hunting With Dogs On The Quantock Hills In Somerset 2018/19 A Report by Somerset Wildlife Crime and Hounds Off

13. Cruelty Of Deer Hunting With Dogs

13.1 During the late 1990’s National Trust (NT) members expressed concerns about stag hunting on NT properties. As a result of these concerns the NT commissioned and financed a study into the welfare implications of hunting with hounds. (13)

13.2 The study was carried out by Professor Patrick Bateson, Professor of Ethology (animal behaviour) at the University of Cambridge, and his assistant, Elizabeth L Bradshaw.

13.3 Bateson and Bradshaw conducted their study with the full and active co-operation of officials, staff and followers from two stag hunts: the Devon & Somerset Stag Hounds and the Quantock Stag Hounds.

13.4 Bateson and Bradshaw studied 64 red deer that were subjected to hunting with hounds. It was the first time ever that scientific and observational evidence of the state of red deer at their time of death had been taken. Blood and muscle samples obtained immediately after death were compared with similar samples from 50 non-hunted red deer that had been shot cleanly with rifles.

13.5 On March 11th 1997 Bateson and Bradshaw published a report, entitled Behavioral and Physiological Effects of Culling Red Deer (aka The Bateson Report).

13.6 The Bateson Report opens with ‘Summary Comments’, including:

“When red deer (Cervus elaphus) were hunted by humans with hounds the average distance travelled was at least 19km.”

“The effects on deer of long hunts were (i) depletion of carbohydrate resources for powering muscles, (ii) disruption of muscle tissue, and (iii) elevated secretion of B- endorphin. High concentrations of cortisol, typically associated with extreme physiological and psychological stress, were found.”

“Taken together, the evidence suggests that red deer are not well-adapted by their evolutionary or individual history to cope with the level of activity imposed on them when hunted with hounds.”

13.7 The Bateson Report finishes with a ‘Discussion’, which includes the following concluding comments:

“… the exertion associated with hunting with hounds resulted in marked physiological disturbances of red deer, including muscle damage and pronounced intravascular haemolysis [rupture or destruction of red blood cells]. We do not believe that these changes merely occurred at the end of the hunts. The evidence suggests that haemolysis occurred early in the hunt, resulting perhaps from upsets in ionic balance, extreme plasma acidity or hyperthermia.”

“Other evidence points to the cumulative effects of hunting: for instance, leakage of muscle enzymes into the bloodstream was greater in more excessive hunts.”

31 Deer Hunting With Dogs On The Quantock Hills In Somerset 2018/19 A Report by Somerset Wildlife Crime and Hounds Off

“… this study provides the first quantitative evidence that the physiological effects of hunts of even a relatively short distance and duration are severe, while longer hunts are characterised by signs of extreme exhaustion. Physiological changes of this nature are uncommon in both human and non-human athletes and would not be expected to result from the typically short chases of red deer by wolves in natural conditions.”

Hunt Duration, Quantock Stag Hounds Season 2018/19

13.8 Due to the practical difficulties in following staghunting we are unable to accurately assess the distances involved with QSH hunts but we have noted the length of time between find and kill for Autumn and Spring staghunts.

13.9 The average time from find to kill during seven ‘successful’ QSH Autumn and Spring staghunts monitored by us was 2 hours and 20 minutes. The longest find to kill was 3 hours 15 minutes (Staple Farm, West Quantoxhead 01/04/19), shortest 1 hour 30 minutes (Pepper Hill Farm, Plainsfield 25/03/19).

13.10 Unsuccessful hunts, where the stag escaped, frequently lasted 3 hours or more (Forches Cross 17/09/18, Plainsfield 24/09/18, Higher Vexford 01/10/18, Sixty Acres 14/03/19).

13.11 From November through February deer hunters turn their attention, dogs and guns onto the females of the species. Red deer ‘hinds’ become the target. Hindhunting is little more than a shooting frenzy with multiple animals hounded then blasted. Accurate recording of hunting activities at this time is very difficult.

13.12 It should be noted that, although compact in area, the Quantock Hills are characterised by numerous exceptionally steep hills and valleys which a hunted deer has to navigate.

32 Deer Hunting With Dogs On The Quantock Hills In Somerset 2018/19 A Report by Somerset Wildlife Crime and Hounds Off

13.13 25/10/18 at Sixty Acres, Crowcombe Heathfield.

. The hunt for an ‘Autumn Stag’ started at 11am. Autumn Stags are alpha males who spend the autumn months fighting rival stags and mating with hinds. During this time they hardly eat.

. Between 11am and 1.05pm the QSH used a combination of horse riders, supporters on foot, quad bikes, four wheel drives and dogs to separate ‘their’ stag from the herd, get him running and then flush him in to open country.

. The hunted stag cut a lonely and tragic figure as he came galloping in to our sight. He tried to cross the main road, to get to the Hills, but was turned back by a line of parked vehicles.

. We trained our cameras on the stag. His mouth was open, gasping, tongue lolling, coat already dark with sweat.

. At this point the stag provided a magnetic focus in the landscape for umpteen sets of binoculars and beady eyes, all scanning and peering, bloodthirstily pinpointing his progress.

. At about 2.15pm the stag was so exhausted that he lay down beneath a tree and used his antlers to parry the two dogs which had brought him ‘to bay’. The dogs repeatedly leapt forwards, barking, then jumped back again.

. Some of our team jostled on the ground for position and in the melee we used our vehicle to gain vantage for our cameraman to hone in from the roof.

. He was filming when the stag ‘broke bay’ (made a last ditch effort to escape by getting up and running) just as a Huntsman on foot raised a short-barreled shotgun at point blank range.

. Five minutes later the stag had been killed nearby but out of view from our cameras. His body was loaded into a Landrover and carted off to a private woodland clearing to be hacked into trophies and ejaculated over in a post-hunt ritual which has altered little despite the passage of time and changes in the law.

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Fig 15: The stag which was hunted and killed from Sixty Acres, Crowcombe Heathfield, 25/10/18. Here he is after about two hours of constant harassment.

(13) Physiological effects of hunting red deer (Cervus elaphus), P. Bateson & E.L. Bradshaw, The Royal Society, 1997.

34 Deer Hunting With Dogs On The Quantock Hills In Somerset 2018/19 A Report by Somerset Wildlife Crime and Hounds Off

14. Public Outreach

14.1 Our campaign has included banner demonstrations at Silk Mills Roundabout on the western edge of Taunton during morning rush-hour throughout the Autumn and Winter on Quantock Stag Hounds (QSH) hunt days. This both informed people that deer hunting with dogs was taking place and conveyed our request that the National Trust enforced the ban it placed on deer hunting with dogs on its properties in 1997.

14.2 Our Silk Mills Roundabout outreach was seen by thousands of people and undoubtedly prompted conversations in the car, workplace and schools where otherwise there would have been none.

14.3 Consequently, dead foxes were set up in smoking and drinking poses at our Silk Mills Roundabout site. Presumably this was a tasteless effort to intimidate us but we used this as an opportunity to spread our message further via local media, newspapers and radio. (14)

14.4 Ten thousand leaflets about deer hunting with dogs were delivered through letterboxes in villages and hamlets where the QSH operate.

14.5 Every day that we knew the QSH were hunting we flagged this on our Somerset Wildlife Crime and Hounds Off social media platforms.

14.6 Other social media news posts, blogs, podcasts and short films of incidents we recorded have been regular features in an ongoing push to shine a light on modern day staghunting.

Fig 16: Raising awareness at Silk Mills Roundabout, Taunton. 35 Deer Hunting With Dogs On The Quantock Hills In Somerset 2018/19 A Report by Somerset Wildlife Crime and Hounds Off

Fig 17: On Valentine’s Day the QSH decided to go after this stag which, miraculously, escaped. This still from a video shows him early on in the slate quarry woodlands at Brompton Ralph, already frothing at the mouth. From Forches Cross, 14/02/19.

(14) Dead fox dumped with beer can and cigarette in its mouth in Taunton, S.Petherick, Somerset Live, 12/12/2018, https://www.somersetlive.co.uk/news/somerset-news/dead-fox-dumped-beer-can-2318449.

36 Deer Hunting With Dogs On The Quantock Hills In Somerset 2018/19 A Report by Somerset Wildlife Crime and Hounds Off

15. How You Can Help This Campaign

15.1 Contact your MP. Ask them to read and endorse this Report.

Funding

15.2 Somerset Wildlife Crime and Hounds Off are operated by volunteers who do not charge for their time and expertise. However, fundraising for campaign materials, equipment, vehicles and fuel is vital. We would have been unable to produce this Report without the generous support of individuals and organisations who share our aims and objectives.

15.3 For example, we spent over £4k on equipment and campaigning materials during the 2018/19 QSH hunting season.

15.4 Average fuel costs for one vehicle monitoring one day with the QSH was £73.35.

15.5 Fuel costs for one vehicle monitoring the QSH on 27 occasions were £1980.45.

15.6 We have to keep at least one vehicle on the road.

15.7 Somerset Wildlife Crime and Hounds Off need to raise funds to cover our 2019/20 campaign. If you would like to discuss helping then please contact us:

. Somerset Wildlife Crime, [email protected] (or) 07572 495309.

. Hounds Off, PO Box 162, Shaftesbury, Dorset SP7 7AZ (or) [email protected].

Donations direct to Hounds Off;

Sort Code: 09-01-27 Account No: 90028160 Reference: 'QSH'

37 Deer Hunting With Dogs On The Quantock Hills In Somerset 2018/19 A Report by Somerset Wildlife Crime and Hounds Off

16. Conclusions

16.1 The cruel sport of deer hunting with dogs as practiced by the Quantock Stag Hounds (QSH) was outlawed by the Hunting Act 2004 but it continues in a modified form to this date.

16.2 Trespass by the QSH onto National Trust, Forestry Commission and other land from which they have been banned continues and is regular. Deer hunting bans must be enforced.

16.3 Legal issues surrounding the deployment of firearms by staff and supporters of the QSH exist which must be dealt with.

16.4 Legal issues surrounding the use of vehicles by QSH supporters across fragile habitats on the Quantock Hills have been identified and need to be addressed.

16.5 At a local level, Avon and Somerset Police have taken issues connected with the QSH seriously but this attitude needs to be extended to senior officers.

16.6 The activities of the QSH compromise biosecurity on farms and are contrary to the Governments own advice.

38 Deer Hunting With Dogs On The Quantock Hills In Somerset 2018/19 A Report by Somerset Wildlife Crime and Hounds Off

From the Heart Our core team speak:

BOBBIE ARMSTRONG

"The hunting of deer was banned on National Trust and Forestry Commission land after the findings of the Bateson report 22 years ago. Yet incredibly it is still happening twice a week, throughout the hunting season. The Quantock Stag Hounds have been allowed to hunt unchallenged across the Quantock Hills, including on National Trust land which has meant our deer have suffered immense cruelty. It is fair and reasonable to expect these two organisations to enforce their own ban of hunting deer with dogs, we have spent the last season shining a light on the Quantock Hills and deer hunting. With our findings we are asking the National Trust and Forestry Commission to help stop this cruelty once and for all."

JOE HASHMAN

"To see a stag running alone cross country, with the sound of baying dogs locked on to his scent not far behind and scores of hunters racing around like crazies trying to catch a view, just gets me in the heart. You know that when the gunshot comes from point blank range, usually somewhere remote and out of sight, it will be a merciful release for an animal which has been broken physically and in spirit by people whose idea of ‘sport’ degrades us all."

KEVIN HILL

"The hunting of any animal to complete exhaustion is totally unacceptable. The hunting of deer on the Quantock Hills causes suffering to the animal to such an extent the deer are often unable to move. I have witnessed a stag that was so weak through exhaustion it collapsed just yards from staghunters and was then shot. From the perspective of the deer, hunting now is no different than before the ban."

39 Deer Hunting With Dogs On The Quantock Hills In Somerset 2018/19 A Report by Somerset Wildlife Crime and Hounds Off

TONY LOCK

"I have always lived in the countryside, with the first 19 years as a neighbour of the Quantock Staghounds. Have always been interested in wildlife and the countryside. I have seen a large decline in all wildlife during my lifetime, mainly due to hunting, shooting, culling and modern farming. I am determined to protect all wildlife for future generations to enjoy."

PETER WHITE

"22 years since the National Trust was presented with the findings of the Bateson report which resulted in them banning stag hunting on their land, we find ourselves still witnessing the horrors of deer hunting by the Quantock Stag Hounds on a twice weekly basis. Even with over 87% of public support and overwhelming backing from the House of Commons and a parliamentary ban to end hunting with dogs, it is incredulous that we should even need a campaign like this. After more than three decades of watching dogs chasing stags to exhaustion, I now want to see the land denied to the stag hound packs after the findings of the Bateson report and made safe once and for all." 

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