Local man fined for fox hunting

A local man from Warwickshire has been fined one thousand pounds at Coventry Magistrates Court for fox hunting this month. During his trial twenty-four-year-old, Ben Hasall, said “I did not shout when I saw a fox during the hunt because I didn't want to encourage the hounds” although it was Hasalls responsibility to make sure the dogs did not chase and kill the fox. On the 17th of March 2025 district judge, David Murray said “Ben Hasall made no effort to intervene” and issued the fine. Warwickshire Hunt says the pack stays within the law following ‘trail’ hunts where hounds follow an artificial scent. However, District Judge David Murray said there was no evidence an artificial trail had been laid for trail hunting. ‘Trail’ hunting was created to mimic traditional fox hunting with dogs. The hunts lay an animal-based scent trail using fox urine in areas where foxes or hares are likely to be.

Ben Hasall outside Coventry Magistrates Court

Fox hunting has been a hallmark of rural life, celebrated for its pageantry, skill, and community. However today fox hunting is facing criticism with people questioning animal rights and welfare. In 2004, the UK passed the Hunting Act, banning the hunting of foxes with dogs but some groups continue to argue that the law is unfair and that hunting is a vital part of rural culture and conservation. However, opponents of fox hunting say that alternatives to the practice are available, such as artificial hunts, where no animals are harmed.

Image from Warwickshire Hunt Sabs

The Fox Rescuers are a charity that covers the North and West Midlands region dedicating their time to helping injured foxes. Since its opening in June 2019, their focus has been on rescue rehabilitation and release, giving foxes a second chance in the wild.

In a recent interview with charity owner Paul Mcdonald, he said “I have hands-on experience with fox hunting as I was a fox hunting saboteur” These are anti-hunting campaigners who help prevent the killing of these animals they do this by using horns and voice calls to distract the hounds or even standing in front of weapons protecting the fox.

Paul McDonald

There are many complications when trying to convict someone of fox hunting, as you have to film the chase, the attack, and the kill all in one recording. This is a very fast-paced sequence that can also span miles of land, with the hunters on horseback, making it difficult for hunt sabs to make up that distance on foot.

Paul Mcdonald also adds “It's not just the fact foxes are being killed it’s the nature in which they are being killed, it's absolutely brutal.” And he is not alone Mike Nicholas, communications officer with the League Against Cruel Sports, said "Trail hunting is a deception to fool the public, the police, and the courts. It's a smokescreen and so it's time for stronger fox hunting laws." This could potentially be discussed this year with many Labour, Liberal Democrat, and Green MPs claiming the present law is not working and needs to be tightened, leading to discussions of a full ban including trail hunting over the next year.