FROM THE HEREFORDSHIRE HUNT SABOTEURS

 NOTE FROM ME

All this was on my home ‘turf’, so to speak and so proud to know that the Sabs are out and about attempting to prevent cruelty. Just keep on doing it.

LEDBURY 𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗳𝗶𝗲𝗹𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝗺𝗮𝗶𝘇𝗲

The Ledbury met at 8am, huddled alongside the hop picking barns belonging to The Farm, Bosbury for a children's half term cub hunting meet this morning. We arrived just as the last riders were moving off into the hop yards, correctly anticipated their first draw near Bowley Lane, and successfully moved them on from there. Hounds were then taken across the road into orchards  around The Merrings and Temple Court Farm, both owned by the Blandford family.

From here the hunt crossed back onto meet host Sarah Davies' land, and, as often happens here, we briefly lost them, but today the 'eye in the sky' meant we found them again at the Wharf. Here traffic was held up in both directions on the bad bends by the pub at Staplow while hounds were taken across the road. One hound went off on a jolly in the opposite direction with Chris Bowers on the quad and two (it appears) whips in pursuit. Hound control - never the Ledbury's strong suit.

Foot sabs headed inland towards Swinmore Common which meant they were well positioned to keep tabs on the hunt as the hounds drew the coverts around The Nelmes, before doubling back towards Staplow then round towards Shilo Farm. Here the hounds were cast into a vast area of maize – proof if any were needed that the hunt was illegally hunting fox cubs. Or attempting to; the hounds had barely spoken all morning and by now the sun was hot and any scent long gone.

Riders began to drift away back to the meet; they'd been out for nearly four hours. This left hunt staff searching (whippers in) and calling (huntsman, Mark Melladay and Vikki) for lost hounds. Out of control and lost hounds are the hallmark of illegal fox hunting.

We headed back to our vehicle, as we had other plans. We spent the rest of the day checking Radnor and West Hereford country between Leominster and Kington in the expectation of finding their opening meet. Unfortunately, without success. It appears Shaun Marles and co had fled to the hills, meeting at Huntington Court, from where they likely hunted Hergest Ridge, Disgwylfa Hill and moorland owned by the Harpton Estate around Gladestry. It's far less likely anyone will tip us off as to their whereabouts in that area. Anyone would think they have something to hide.

The Ledbury this morning was the eighth cubbing meet we've sabbed this season, a new record for us. Thank you to everyone who has supported us so far this season with tip offs and donations. You've made it possible for us to do what we do, and it is much appreciated.