Dorchester: Anti-hunt protesters take to streets with march

Since 2004, fox hunting has been banned in the UK, but protesters took to the streets to voice their concerns over claims that there are too many ‘loopholes’ in the current legislation which allow hunts to chase and kill of animals,.

The protesters gathered at the Town Pump at 1pm on Saturday as several members addressed the crowd of around 50 people before they went on a march through the town.

There was a strong police presence, with around 15 to 20 police officers on hand escorting the protesters on their route.

The march was designed to raise awareness about fox hunting whilst also demanding Dorset Police enforce the laws more strictly.

Trail hunting is still practised by hunt groups as a legal way of mimicking traditional hunting by following a scent trail made by animal urine.

The British Hound Sports Association says many hunts have wanted to retain their infrastructure as well as their hounds, members and activities, so have been hunting within the law by changing their activities.

Earlier this year, the Blackmore and Sparkford Vale Hunt was suspended after video footage showed a fox being killed by dogs during once of its trail hunts. It resumed hunting activities a few weeks later following a short ban.

Activists headed to Princes Street via Antelope Walk where they paused to protest outside of gun shop Sportarm. Staff at the store did not wish to comment.

Anti-hunt protesters outside Sportarm on Prince's Street (Image: Andy Jones)

Neal Buckoke, from North Dorset Hunt Saboteurs spoke to the Echo whilst on the march and made a number of claims.

He said: "It is about getting a proper ban at the end of the day.  Hunts have been going on for 20 years, killing wildlife, it is just not good enough.

“It is the county town - it has to be done. Dorset Police have been terrible at doing anything about the ban.”

There had been threats made that far right activists where going to attack protesters, but there was no trouble during the peaceful march.

Anti-hunt protesters outside Dorchester Police station (Image: Andy Jones)

Activists walked through the Borough Gardens, where a protester, who wished to remain anonymous, explained why she had wanted to join the protest.

She said: “I absolutely hate hunting, fox hunting, stag hunting, otter, hare, all of it. Chasing by dogs is cruel it is barbaric, cruel, antiquated and outdated.

“All you can do is raise awareness and get people onside – it baffles me how people think its okay to do.”

The march then made its way to the police station where chants of ‘trail hunting is a lie – animals do not want to die’ and ‘Dorset Police enforce the ban’ could be heard.

Anti hunt march goes past Brewery Square where some members of the public had stopped to watch and listen to them. (Image: Andy Jones)

Another protester, who also wished to remain anonymous, said she understood that it is difficult for the police and believes they are trying to enforce the ban when they can.

She added: “I think it’s hard for them to police, although I would like to see them more, I also understand that on a Saturday daytime they will be out in the town centre.

"The police are under an enormous amount of pressure as well, and it is not their fault.

“The hunts are using loopholes and sometimes it is hard for the police to enforce it.

“I think times are changing and the police do want to help and I guess what today is about is to keep going at it and raising that awareness."

Protestors stopped outside Betfred to protest the Grand National (Image: Andy Jones)

As the march made its way back to Cornhill, a member of the public watching the march spoke to the Echo about their thoughts on the protest.

The woman herself had been on a hunt before and wished to not be named.

She said: “I used to horse ride and go on hunts and I never saw any killing. They use a fake scent.

"I get why they are doing (the demonstration), though, but I am not sure the town centre is the right place.”

Protesters also stopped outside Betfred, where police officers had to stand at the entrance to, as marchers protested against the Grand National which was due to take place a few hours later.

Dorchester Police said afterwards: "Members of the public may have noticed an increased presence of police in Dorchester this afternoon, due to a demonstration march.

"The march was peaceful and has now concluded. Dorchester Police would like to thank members of the public who stopped and spoke to us."

Dorset Police has been contacted about how it deals with illegal hunting reports.