25th July 2025
TWO huntswomen from the Cheshire Forest Hunt have denied failing to protect their hounds after two were shot and another was killed by a train while out ‘trail hunting’.
Elizabeth Gorse, of Sugar Lane, Frodsham, and Teryl Knowles, of Seven Sisters Lane, Ollerton, stand charged by Cheshire Police under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
Both are directors of the Peover-based Cheshire Forest Hunt, and are accused of failing in their duty as a person responsible for animals to ensure their welfare.
Gorse is a vet by profession and a retired director of Rose Cottage Veterinary Centre in Sutton Weaver, and still appears on the business’ website as a member of staff.
The charge relates to an incident involving armed police after reports foxhounds had been shot in a field off Barnhouse Lane, Great Barrow, at around 3pm on Wednesday, February 12.
Cheshire Police said, because of what happened, one hound died and one was taken to a vet to be treated.
A 64-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of possessing a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence has since been released without charge.
On the same day, time, and location, another hound was killed after being struck by a train on the Mid Cheshire railway line.
At the time, 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.”
Gorse, 72, and Knowles, 66, were summoned to appear at Chester Magistrates’ Court on Friday, July 25.
Gorse appeared in person and entered a not guilty plea to the charge from the dock.
Knowles did not appear in person ‘due to an engagement in the south of England’, according to the pair’s solicitor Stephen Welford.
Mr Welford entered a not guilty plea on Knowles’ behalf.
The case was adjourned, and the pair were ordered to return to Chester Magistrates’ Court for trial on Wednesday, December 3.
The trial is expected to last two days.
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.
THIS IS WHAT SORT OF FILTHY SCUM THESE MURDERING PARASITES ARE, THEY DON,T GIVE A TOSS ABOUT THEIR ANIMALS ALL THEY WANT TO DO IS MURDER THE WILDL LIFE AND TO HELL WITH EVERYTHING ELSE THEY SHOULD G TO PRISON.