The problem of urban hunting is a relatively little known one. It occurs, as the name suggests in towns that incorporate country parks or have areas of countryside close by. The individuals involved are usually, but not exclusively male and have sufficient time and money to devote to this relatively time consuming activity. They are often involved in other types of crime, frequently organised crime.

Dogs are trained to attack wild mammals, often starting their lives as ‘killers’ by practicing on domestic pets belonging to neighbours or those obtained especially for this purpose. The dogs are from large and powerful breeds from a bloodline with a reputation for an aggressive nature. Their size, power and aggression are developed and enhanced by ruthless training. Occasionally they become out of control and a smaller pet dog being walked nearby, its owner or a bystander falls victim to them. This is not the fault of the hunting dog, which is simply doing what it has been bred and trained to do.

The hunters set their dogs to work in packs and their prey, usually deer, foxes or badgers is often captured first by using snares. This saves the hunters having to work too hard for their thrill and ensures a captive animal that cannot flee when confronted by a pack of vicious dogs.

Incidents of this nature are easier to carry out in urban settings because country parks are unlikely to be busy after dark and members of the public who do come across such activities are often either unaware they are witnessing a crime or too scared to report it. In addition police in urban areas are frequently busy with other crimes and even if available may lack the awareness to respond appropriately.

The sole reason for these particular offences is to satisfy a sadistic drive to cause pain. Because the pleasure derived from such violence quickly satiates it is escalatory and the individuals involved need greater and greater levels of violence to achieve their satisfaction.

The key players in detecting urban hunting are currently the animal welfare charities and investigators from the RSPCA and Scottish SPCA have had notable successes in the fight against this epidemic.

Urban hunting is a little known but increasing problem in the UK and requires much greater attention than it is currently receiving.