21st February 2025
ARMED police arrested a man in Cheshire after foxhounds were shot at during a hunt.
As a result of the incident, one hound was killed, and another was injured and taken to a vet.
It happened in a field off Barn House Lane, in Great Barrow, at around 3pm on Wednesday, February 12.
The hounds were members of a pack belonging to the Cheshire Forest Hunt, which is based in Peover, but operates across the county.
A spokesman for the hunt called the incident ‘incredibly distressing’.
Officers arrested a 63-year-old man on suspicion of using a gun to cause fear of violence.
He has since been released on bail pending investigations.
A spokesman for the Cheshire Forest Hunt said: “There was an incident on Wednesday, February 12, near Great Barrow, which was incredibly distressing, particularly for our professional staff whose lives are dedicated to looking after the hounds.
“We are unable to comment any further while there is an ongoing police investigation.”
While hunting wild animals with dogs is illegal, trail hunting, where a scent is laid by a person for the hounds to follow, is not.
Anyone who has any information about the incident is asked to contact the police.
A Cheshire Police spokesman said: “At 3.06pm on Wednesday, February 12, police were called to a field off Barn House Lane, Barrow, following reports two dogs had been shot at.
“It is reported one dog had died and one was being taken to a vet to be treated.
“A 63-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm or imitation of firearms with intent to fear violence, he has since been released on conditional bail until Monday, May 12.
“Enquiries remain ongoing any anyone with any information is asked to call Cheshire Police on 101 quoting IML 2025874.”
https://www.northwichguardian.co.uk/news/24953464.man-arrested-cheshire-forest-hounds-shot-hunt/
Terribly distressing for the hunt “OH PLEASE” this scum are hunting illegally and deserve all they get, shooting a gun to frighten foxes away is not a bad thing but killing the dog was. But if these parasites had not been out hunting illegally this would not have happened. Also lets not forget what happens to the hunt hounds when finished with, they are shot and thrown away like garbage so this scum cannot complain of distress.
Too bad the hunt folks are not as concerned about the poor victims of this cruel “hunt.” Shame on them! Thank you SABS for all you do!!!