3rd December 2025
THE trial of two directors of the Cheshire Forest Hunt over their alleged failure to protect foxhounds has been put back more than eight months.
Liz Gorse, a retired vet, along with fellow director, Teryl Knowles, were due to stand trial on Wednesday, December 3, after two foxhounds were shot and another killed by a train near Barnhouse Lane, Great Barrow, on Wednesday, February 12.
Both Gorse, 72, of Sugar Lane, Frodsham, and Knowles, 67, of Seven Sisters Lane, Ollerton denied failing in their duty as persons responsible to ensure the welfare of animals in their care at Chester Magistrates’ Court on Friday, July 25.
The charge relates to an incident involving armed police after reports foxhounds had been shot.
Cheshire Police confirmed one hound died as a result, 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 foxhound was killed after being struck by a train on the nearby Mid Cheshire railway line.
A request to put the trial date back more than eight months was submitted to magistrates in Chester by the pair’s barrister, Stephen Welford.
A new trail date has been set for Monday, August 24, and is expected to last three days.
It is unusual for hunt directors to be prosecuted for alleged crimes committed in relation to hunt activities.
In the past, culpability has tended to fall on the huntsman, who is a member of staff employed directly by the hunt and is in control of the activities when the hounds are working.
At the time of the incident, a spokesman for 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.”
SUREPRISE SURPRISE ARE THEY FRIENDS OF THE JUDGE??????????I HOPE WHEN THIS DOES HAPPEN THESE EVIL BASTARDS ARE SENT DOWN FOR THEIR WICKED CRIME THESE THUGS ARE THE SCUM OF THE EARTH MURDERERS PARASITES THE LOT OF THEM.