Investigation into hunt fight
Scuffle between rider and sab
A VIDEO which shows a struggle between a whip-wielding member of a fox hunt and an antihunt demonstrator is to be investigated by Leicestershire Police.
West Midlands Hunt Saboteurs has released the footage which appears to show an altercation between a protester carrying a video camera and a member of Atherstone Hunt shot in Sheepy Parva last week.
The man filming appears to warn the huntsman there is a fox up ahead and they should call the hounds off - but the man on horseback dismisses the claim and continues to ride up the road.
He then turns back shouting and swearing at the protester before leaping from his horse, whip in hand, and engaging in a scuffle with the man who is filming the incident.
He then gets back on the horse and rides away while another member of the hunt appears to encourage him to take the protester’s camera.
A spokesman from Leicestershire Police said: “Police received a call from a man last Monday evening reporting an assault alleged to have taken place that morning in Wellsborough Road, Sheepy Parva.
“A subsequent call relating to the same incident was received at around 2pm on Monday.
“Officers are in the initial stages of their inquiries.”
Since 2005 it has been illegal to hunt foxes with dogs.
The maximum penalty is a £5,000 fine while police can also confiscate and destroy equipment and dogs used in hunting.