What happened with the South Durham Hunt huntsman?

A huntsman was filmed striking his horse with a riding crop, leading to a police and RSPCA investigation.

Is the South Durham Hunt involved in illegal hunting?

There is no suggestion the South Durham Hunt was involved in hunting animals; the incident involved a drag hunt.

What action has been taken against the huntsman?

The British Hounds Sports Association issued a formal reprimand and arranged a welfare inspection.

Home / Crime and Justice / Huntsman Investigated for Horse Abuse Caught on Camera

Huntsman Investigated for Horse Abuse Caught on Camera

21 Nov

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Summary

Huntsman filmed striking horse with riding crop
Police and RSPCA investigating the incident
Governing body calls behavior 'unacceptable'

Huntsman Investigated for Horse Abuse Caught on Camera

A police investigation has been launched into a huntsman from the South Durham Hunt after video evidence appeared to show him hitting his horse with a riding crop. The incident reportedly occurred on Saturday, November 8, in Foxton, near Sedgefield, County Durham. Anti-hunting groups captured the footage, which shows the horse reacting to the strikes.

Both Durham Constabulary and the RSPCA are now involved in reviewing the evidence, including CCTV, to determine if animal cruelty occurred. The British Hounds Sports Association (BHSA), the sport's governing body, has labeled the actions as "unacceptable" and "well below the standards expected."

While the BHSA acknowledged the incident, they also stated it was a "brief lapse in judgement" by an experienced individual and does not represent the hunt's usual standards or the sport itself. They have issued a formal reprimand and arranged for a welfare inspection.

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