In the last few days we have had eight reports from various parts of the UK of terrier men, apparently connected to hunts blocking badger sett entrances prior to hunts taking place. This in itself constitutes an offence under section 3 of the Protection of Badgers Act 1992. It used to be legal as hunts sought to prevent foxes that were being pursued by hounds from seeking shelter in badger setts. As hunting a wild mammal with dogs is now illegal we are completely unable to understand why anyone should be doing this. Is it to prevent the trail layer or a hunt follower from falling into a sett? It surely cannot be because the hunt anticipates hunting a fox with hounds which is now against the law.

Apparently the allegations that trail hunting is a screen are denied by hunts in spite of the conviction of Mark Hankinson, a director of the Master of Foxhounds Association (MFHA), who was found guilty of encouraging and assisting hunts across the country to evade the ban on fox hunting.

We look forward to seeing the results of the police investigations into these sett blocking cases and their proposals for a more proactive role in dealing with alleged offences in connection with hunting.