FROM PROTECT THE WILD — A LITANY OF FOXHOUND CRUELTY

Forwarded this email? Subscribe here for more Resurfaced Footage Shows Bedale Foxhounds Beaten and Abused Protect The Wild has obtained more unseen footage from the Wildlife Guardian, further exposing the systemic abuse of hounds used by hunts. CHARLOTTE SMITH APR 10 READ IN APP Protect The Wild has obtained more unseen footage from the Wildlife Guardian, further exposing the systemic abuse of hounds used by hunts. In 2016, Bedale Hunt staff were recorded repeatedly beating hounds with what appears to be a large stick, seemingly without reason. This footage is being released now, as the UK Government reaffirms discussions around a full hunting ban. Supporters of hunting often argue that a ban would cause suffering for the hounds, failing to acknowledge that foxhounds are already subjected to cruelty. Many are shot in the head when deemed no longer suitable for hunting, and as our own research shows, their welfare is continuously put at risk during hunt meets. This newly surfaced footage sheds light on the grim reality foxhounds are put through. It is no surprise that saboteurs and monitors frequently observe foxhounds cowering, tensing up, and shrinking away from hunt staff. The Bedale Hunt footage reveals why: hounds are not treated with the care and kindness claimed by hunts and their supporters. Instead, they are controlled through fear and the constant threat of punishment. The first clip shows a distressing scene involving a hound displaying signs of lameness. The hound appears unable to fully bear weight on their back left leg, moving with a slight hop and stiff gait, as the hunt employee attempts to gather them. The hound retreats to a corner before stopping. In these moments the body language displayed by the hound—tail tucked under their abdomen, and a hunched posture—suggests pain and/or fear. The hunt employee then approaches aggressively, wielding what appears to be a stick. The hound remains still, likely too scared to move. The hunt employee then unnecessarily raises the stick and strikes them four times, forcing the scared hound to move in the cruellest way possible. Unfortunately, this was not an isolated incident. Additional footage reveals that similar acts of violence toward hounds occurred multiple times over the course of the investigation, proving that this type of foxhound abuse is not an anomaly but deeply embedded in the day-to-day life of hounds used by hunts. In thier entirety the footage raises alarming questions about the training methods used on foxhounds. Canine behaviour research overwhelmingly supports positive reinforcement as the most effective and humane training approach for dogs. Yet, in this footage hunt staff make no attempt to use such techniques, exposing the hunts fundamental ignorance of canine psychology. Instead, they immediately resort to violence, inflicting pain and fear on the hounds. This constitutes a clear breach of the Animal Welfare Act, which prohibits unnecessary suffering. Such cruelty would be unacceptable in any other context. If a member of the public were seen beating a dog with a stick in their garden, in the park or on the street, it would result in outrage and an RSPCA investigation—as it should. But when hunts commit the same acts little, if anything, is done to hold them accountable, likely due to the secrecy and smokescreen that surround hunts. Tragically, like the overwhelming number of hunt hounds, it is possible the beaten Bedale hounds went on to meet the same cruel fate: being shot in the head when no longer required for hunting. In additional footage, some Bedale Hunt hounds can be seen being dragged by a lead. Their muzzles are then tightly bound with what appears to be rope before they are taken off camera. Shortly after the hounds are seen, what could be gunshots are heard. Disturbingly, if this was the case, one hound appears to have been shot twice, two minutes apart raising the sickening possibility that they did not die instantly, therefore would have suffered immensely. These practices have sparked serious concerns among veterinary professionals regarding the inhumane methods used to kill these large dogs. The treatment of foxhounds in the hunting world is a disgrace that must not be ignored by “a nation of dog lovers”. We believe hounds deserve the same ethical considerations as any other dog. The hunting community’s continued secret abuse of foxhounds highlights a fundamental failing in animal welfare laws and enforcement in the UK. It is time to bring this systemic cruelty to light for the forgotten foxhounds, which is why we continue to research their welfare. A full ban on hunting is required to not just protect wildlife from the cruelty of hunts but the foxhounds too. Support Wildlife Guardian! Wildlife Guardian investigates and reports on wildlife cruelty committed in the name of sport, and aims to bring hunts to justice. They’re a brilliant team of highly skilled individuals and we’re proud to work alongside them to shine a light on those intent on killing wildlife for kicks. Donate to Wildlife Guardian Want to help Protect the Wild fund more investigations? Let me be brutally honest — the first few months of this year have been the toughest we've ever faced at Protect the Wild. Financially, it's been a real struggle. As an organisation that runs entirely on small donations, we've always pushed ourselves to grow and make an impact, but right now we're having to make hard choices. Our Equipment Fund, which usually supports sabs, monitors, and wildlife defenders, is currently being used solely to fund vital undercover investigations — and that means we can’t support those on the ground in the same way we want to. That’s why we’re launching Project Investigation, a fundraising drive to raise £2,500 a month so we can run investigations without compromising our frontline support. We’re asking 500 people to donate just £5 a month — enough to fund consistent, fearless, high-impact work that exposes cruelty and forces change. You’ve seen what our covert work can do: our Beaufort and VWH Hunt investigations shattered the trail hunting myth, our badger cull footage aired on the BBC and challenged government policy, and our exposés on raptor persecution are helping take down the shooting industry. We want to do even more — but only if we have the resources to keep going. Please, if you believe in what we do, be one of the 500 and help fuel this fight. We’re currently on 214 donors! 42% of the way there! :) Join Project Investigation SHARE LIKE COMMENT RESTACK © 2025 Protect the Wild Protect the Wild, 71-75 Shelton Street Covent Garden, London, W2CH 9JQ Unsubscribe Start writing