Hundreds lined the streets of Droitwich to watch the Boxing Day Hunt as support continues to remain ‘as strong as ever’.
It was a family affair as people of all generations turned out to watch the spectacle as the next generation of young people rode through the town, cheered on by the crowds.
GENERATIONS: The Boxing Day Hunt in Droitwich (Image: Holly Marie Photography)
Chloe Stiley of the Worcestershire Hunt said: “The support in Droitwich was as strong as ever, with people of all ages gathering on foot with their families to see the hounds and horses at the annual traditional Boxing Day Meet.”
We have previously reported how the annual meet for the Croome and West Warwickshire Hunt took place around Pershore this year and, according to the group, was also well supported.
Pippa Wilkinson, Joint Master of the Croome and West Warwickshire Hunt, said: “I was delighted to see hundreds of people out on Boxing Day in Pershore to support the Croome & West Warwickshire Hunt, a tradition which has endured for centuries.”
It is illegal to hunt foxes with a pack of dogs. However, you can use dogs to simulate hunting, for example ‘drag’ or ‘trail’ hunting.
You can use up to two dogs to chase (‘flush’ or ‘stalk’) foxes out of hiding if the fox is causing damage to your property or the environment.
Hunting wild mammals with dogs for sport was banned in Scotland in 2002 and England and Wales in 2004.
Critics such as the League Against Cruel Sports say more needs to be done.
A spokesperson for the League says on its website: “The battle to stamp out hunting in the UK is not yet won as these bans have not been properly enforced, the attempts to eliminate or weaken them continue, and hunting is still legal in Northern Ireland.
“Fox hunting in England is still happening, as well as across the UK.”