Wildlife reserve drama as foxhunt is blasted Group accused of causing disturbance at local beauty spot
The Renfrewshire and Lanarkshire Foxhounds have been accused of running roughshod through a nature reserve.
Huntsmen on horseback and a pack of rampaging hounds were seen bolting through the area near Glen Moss wildlife reserve near Kilmacolm on Saturday.
Anti-fox hunt campaigners and activists, the Glasgow Hunt Saboteurs, claim the tyres on one of their cars was also slashed by the group. A photo taken by a member shows two huntsmen on horseback and a pack of dogs next to a sign for the wildlife reserve.
The Hunt Saboteurs said that the dogs were also on the loose through Kilmacolm Golf Club, disturbing the players who were out on the course.
They shared an update on Saturday’s hunt on their Facebook page.
The update reads: “At one point, Huntsman Fraser Campbell lost control of the hounds once again, and did nothing to stop the hounds rioting through a golf course and straight into Glen Moss nature reserve, yet we’re to believe this is for the good of other wildlife?
“It’s absurd. Not content with disturbing this area, hounds scattered into the village of
Kilmacolm through peoples’ gardens.
“Locals and golfers were understandably irate with the hunt and their sloppy arrogance.”
They added: “Our vehicles were blocked at every opportunity, kicked and scratched, and one of our cars even had its tyres slashed.”
The Renfrewshire and
Lanarkshire Foxhunt was approached for comment to respond to the allegations but has not replied.
Scottish Wildlife Trust, who manage Glen Moss wildlife reserve, says it will be investigating the matter.
A spokesperson said: “The Scottish Wildlife Trust were unaware of the alleged incident on Glen Moss wildlife reserve.
“We do not give permission for fox hunting on reserves we own. The trust manages but does not own Glen Moss wildlife reserve.
“Therefore, we will investigate the circumstances surrounding this incident and, if appropriate, review it with the landowners.”
A recent law passed by the Scottish Government will seek to close a loophole that has allowed foxhunting to continue despite supposedly being banned more than 20 years ago.
Under the new bill, it remains an offence to chase and or kill a wild mammal using a dog – but the wording of the 2002 Act is updated to make the law easier to understand and enforce.
The key change is that no more than two dogs can be used to stalk or flush out animals from cover unless a licence has been granted.
We will investigate the circumstances surrounding this incident and, if appropriate, review it with the landowners Scottish Wildlfe Trust
The rules also prohibit trail hunting, where dogs follow an animal-based scent.
The new law comes into effect later this year.