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Police in Cheshire have launched an investigation following reports of an illegal hunt in Cheshire.
Officers say they have been ‘made aware’ of footage surrounding the incident near Knutford.
Now they are appealing for witnesses to come forward.
‘Gathering evidence’
Cheshire Police released a statement saying: “Detectives and rural and wildlife trained officers are investigating the allegations.
“The investigation is in the early stages and we welcome further information.
“The role of the police is to investigate alleged or apparent breaches of the Hunting Act, to gather evidence and to pass that evidence to the appropriate authority to consider prosecution.
“It is not a police matter to consider what is or is not hunting as this can only be determined in court.”
Opposition
Recent polling by Ipos MORI for the League Against Cruel Sports shows opposition to blood sports remains high.
90 percent of people believe hare hunting and coursing should be remain illegal, 87 percent are opposed to legalizing deer hunting, and 85 percent do not think fox hunting should be made legal again.
Chris Luffingham, Director of Policy, Communications and Campaigns for the League Against Cruel Sports, said: “With 85 percent of the public saying they do not want fox hunting made legal again, there has never been a better time to strengthen the Hunting Act and bring an end to the illegal persecution of wildlife still going on under the guise of trail hunting.”
Anyone with information is asked to call Cheshire police on 101 quoting incident number 238 of December 26.
