Cumbria police have reacted to criticisms of its perceived “lack of interest” in alleged illegal hunting taking place in the county that saboteurs claim is continuing unchallenged despite it being outlawed 20 years ago.
One of the tools open to the constabulary is the use of Community Protection Warnings (CPW) – a formal notice which, if not heeded, could result in further action, including via prosecution – which the police served on the Blencathra Foxhounds and the Melbreak Foxhounds earlier this year. Police say they are essentially a warning letter informing the group that officers have received numerous reports regarding issues relating to them, including anti-social behaviour, noise nuisance and the detrimental impact on the community.
But an online statement issued by the Lake District Hunt Saboteurs has described the CPW as being “as useful as a vegan chocolate fire guard”.
The anti-hunt group says that most police officers do not know that the hunts have been issued with a CPW and even if they did “they don’t have the will or gumption to do anything about even the most blatant use of quads on public roads”.
The saboteurs say that a CPW is only as good as the officers that are prepared to further it to a Community Protection Notice (CPN) – a new tool that can be used by the police and local councils to clamp down on anti-social behaviour caused by illegal hunting such as trespass and road chaos.
The Lake District Hunt Saboteurs say that because of “the lack of interest from the police in the Lake District” the public should be reporting any incidents to local officers.
“If you witness or are the victim of hunt trespass, anti-social behaviour, hound out of control or on public roads causing a nuisance, then please get it logged,” says the statement. “The hope is that this will lead to further CPWs then CPNs, and eventually the police will have to take notice and action against these hunts that affect our quality of life.”
A statement from Cumbria Huntwatch says that over the past 20 years most of the major land owners have taken no action to prevent illegal hunting on their estates, despite hunting being banned on National Trust and Lake District National Park Authority land, and the police have never taken any “serious” action to prevent illegal hunting.
But Cumbria Constabulary responded by saying that it takes the crime of illegal hunting seriously, with both proactive and reactive patrols utilised – as well as the use of drones.
A spokesperson said that the force has a dedicated initiative – Operation August – which ensures officers and staff have the proper training in the law so that illegal hunting reports received are properly and appropriately assessed, resourced and guidance given to those attending.
The statement adds that as well as issuing the CPW notices it has also liaised and held meetings with landowners and other groups regarding the police’s work to ensure the terms of the Hunting Act are being adhered to – and that action is being taken where there is evidence it is not.
“Cumbria police have taken action against people who have been proven to have breached the Hunting Act and are committed to taking action in the future, where breaches are evidenced,” said the spokesperson. “Officers continue to urge anyone with information – including video footage – of any suspected offences to come forward.”
People can report online at www.cumbria.police.uk/reportit or call 101. Alternatively they can contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
