13th November 2025
Six men have been arrested as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged illegal fox hunting in the Ambleside area.
The arrests follow an incident believed to have occurred during a meet on Saturday, November 8 involving the Coniston Foxhounds.
All have been arrested on suspicion of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal and remain in police custody.
One of the men in custody has also been arrested on suspicion of possession of an unlawful firearm.
Three vehicles have also been seized as part of this investigation.
Chief Inspector Lee Skelton, of Cumbria Constabulary, said: “We take allegations of wildlife crime extremely seriously.
“Today’s arrests are part of the swift action we are taking to identify those involved and establish the full circumstances of the incident.
“Our investigation remains ongoing, assisted by the UK National Wildlife Crime Unit, and we are working closely with partners agencies to assist our enquiries.
“We are aware of a video which has circulated online and understand the strength of feeling this has caused within some of our communities.
“Those in police custody have been arrested on suspicion of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal, with one of the individuals also arrested on suspicion of a firearms offence. Further arrests are also planned.
“We will provide further updates in due course; however, I’d appeal for anyone who has information which may assist to please contact us.”
The British Hound Sports Association (BHSA) has suspended the Coniston Foxhounds as a precaution while the Hound Sports Regulatory Authority carries out an independent investigation.
The footage was taken on private land not owned by the Lake District National Park Authority boundary.
Foxhunting has been illegal since the Hunting Act 2004. It is legal for hunts to engage in trail hunting, which is where the dogs follow a scent, rather than chase an animal.
A spokesperson for BHSA said: “The British Hound Sports Association (BHSA) has been made aware of footage circulating online which appears to show behaviour of serious concern. The BHSA strongly condemns the behaviour shown and will ensure that, should any BHSA-recognised hunt or member be found to have been involved, appropriate disciplinary action will follow.
“The Coniston Foxhounds have been suspended with immediate effect as they are the hunt publicly named in connection with the footage. The BHSA has not confirmed that identification, but the suspension is a precautionary step to allow an independent investigation to proceed without speculation.
“The case has been referred to the Hound Sports Regulatory Authority (HSRA) for investigation. The suspension is a neutral administrative measure and does not imply wrongdoing.
“No further comment will be made until the regulatory process is complete.”
Anyone with additional information is urged to report information to Cumbria Police online at http://www.cumbria.police.uk/report-it or call 101, quoting incident number 92 of 8 November.
You can also report anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
https://www.nwemail.co.uk/news/25620417.six-men-arrested-report-illegal-fox-hunting-ambleside/
EVIL BASTARDS LIKE THIS SHOULD BE LOCKED UP