Footage recorded in a quiet Cotswold village has reignited concerns that illegal fox hunting may still be taking place, despite a nationwide ban introduced two decades ago.
The video shows a hunt hound appearing to pursue a fox through the village of Icomb, near Stow-on-the-Wold in Gloucestershire. The incident occurred on Tuesday, December 16, and has since been reported to Gloucestershire Constabulary.
Footage Captured by Former Fox Hunter Turned Monitor
The footage was filmed by Lynn Sawyer, a former fox hunter who now volunteers with the Three Counties Hunt Saboteurs, a group that monitors hunts to ensure compliance with the law.
According to Sawyer, the hunt only abandoned the chase after realizing they were being observed.
“Fox hunts claim they are following artificial trails,” Sawyer said, “but what I witnessed was a fox being actively chased by a hunt hound into brambles.
They stopped only because they became aware of my presence. What I saw looked like the brutal and cruel activity of fox hunting.”
Fox hunting with hounds was banned in England and Wales under the Hunting Act 2004, although some hunts continue to operate under the practice known as trail hunting, where hounds are supposed to follow a pre-laid scent.
Animal Welfare Groups Raise Serious Concerns
The incident has drawn strong reactions from animal welfare organizations. Emily Lawrence, campaigns manager at the League Against Cruel Sports, described the footage as further evidence that the law is being exploited.
“Thanks to the bravery of Lynn, the fox appeared to escape on this occasion,” Lawrence said. “But footage like this highlights how fox hunting appears to be continuing despite the ban.”
She added that the incident underscores the need for stronger legal protections:
“This is exactly why the Government is right to consult on banning trail hunting altogether. The loopholes in the Hunting Act must be closed, and stronger penalties—including custodial sentences—should be introduced to deter those who continue to break the law.”
Gloucestershire Identified as a Hotspot
Recent data published by the League Against Cruel Sports suggests that Gloucestershire has recorded more fox pursuits than any other county in England and Wales since the beginning of August.
Key findings include:
- 38 foxes reported as being pursued
- 87 incidents involving hunts engaging in antisocial behavior
These incidents reportedly include trespassing in private gardens, attacks on family pets, and hounds running loose on public roads, raising safety concerns for both residents and animals.
Campaigners also noted the presence of terrier men at the scene—individuals historically used to dig foxes out of underground dens before the hunting ban—adding to suspicions that illegal hunting practices may still be in use.
Trail Hunting Under Growing Scrutiny
The practice of trail hunting has increasingly come under fire. Chief Superintendent Matt Longman, the national lead on fox hunting crime, has previously described trail hunting as a “smokescreen for illegal fox hunting.”
With a government consultation expected early next year, pressure is mounting for legislative reform that would eliminate ambiguities in the law and provide clearer enforcement powers to police forces.
A Broader Question of Law, Ethics, and Rural Safety
Beyond animal welfare, incidents like this raise wider concerns about law enforcement, public safety, and community trust in rural areas. Loose hounds, confrontations on public roads, and alleged illegal activity place both people and animals at risk.
For many observers, the footage serves as a reminder that legal bans are only effective when supported by enforcement, transparency, and accountability.
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