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Huntsman Investigated for Horse Abuse Caught on Camera
21 Nov
Summary
- Huntsman filmed striking horse with riding crop
- Police and RSPCA investigating the incident
- Governing body calls behavior 'unacceptable'

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.



