Last week it came to our attention (thanks to Action Against Foxhunting) that prestigious hotel ‘The Newt’ allows the Blackmore and Sparkford Vale Hunt to meet on its land. We immediately contacted The Newt to ask them why they allow one of the most violent and criminal fox hunts in the UK use their land. They are yet to reply and have ignored several emails from us. And interestingly they have also deleted any record of the hunt ever meeting at their hotel despite us having images of the hunt being there. So today we launch our campaign with AAF in asking The Newt to sever ties with the BSV. As an establishment that prides itself on being the ‘World’s Best Boutique Hotel’, The Newt surely wouldn't want to be associated with such unsavoury characters.
The BSV not only has a reputation locally but indeed nationally for continued illegal activity. Just a few months ago, this hunt was exposed by Channel 4 News for a brutal fox killing (pictured above) resulting in suspension by their own governing body, the British Hound Sports Association. Moreover, members of the BSV have been in court twice in the last 12 months, with both resulting in convictions. One notable case is that of Charlie Mayo, son of the master of the BSV, convicted of Actual Bodily Harm, and the other being Steve Paul, terrier man for the BSV, who pleaded guilty to assault after throwing urine in the face of a young woman. Both these incidents happened during a hunt. A study conducted by Protect the Wild of the entirety of the 2022/23 hunting season found that nearly a third of the BSV’s observed/monitored meets are known to have led to the pursuit and killing of a fox. Most, if not all, of which would have been under criminal circumstances too. We can only imagine what they get up to when they know nobody is watching. The Newt has a clear choice. It can continue to knowingly allow the criminal BSV Hunt to use its land, stand alongside bloodsports enthusiasts, tarnish its reputation, and risk prosecution as a complicit landowner, or it can set an example and sever all ties with immediate effect. Please take action today and sign our petition calling on The Newt to publicly cut ties with this shameful gang of wildlife abusers. It is quite simply disgusting that this establishment would think it be appropriate to play host to one of the worst offending fox hunts in the country. Please politely let them know your thoughts and ask them to publicly ban the BSV Hunt from using their land with immediate effect. Below are the contact details for The Newt: enquiries@thenewtinsomerset.com reservations@thenewtinsomerset.com +44 (0)1963 577750 +44 (0)1963 577777
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