Wildlife activists in Dorchester have called for the new government to tighten laws around hunting in a protest backed by TV presenter Chris Packham.

It comes after more than 50 people took to the streets of Dorchester to protest against illegal fox cub hunting - and demanded for 'loopholes' in current legislation to be 'closed'.

Cub hunting is the practice of hunting fox cubs with young foxhounds and is a way of teaching the young hounds to hunt.

(Image: Graham Hunt Photography)

This is done by hunting fox cubs over a reduced area, which pushes the fox cubs into the pack, rather than involving a long chase.

John Woods, who organised Saturday's march said: "It's estimated that 10,000 fox cubs get killed through cubbing a year which is illegal activity according to the Hunting Act. 

"Around the beginning of August, from 4am until 6am, hunts surround coverts (small woods) and entice the cubs out.

"It is to train the hounds and we wanted to highlight this to the public - it's so horrific - a lot of fox cubs get killed."

READ: Chris Packham backs anti-hunting protest in Dorchester

The protest was backed by BBC wildlife presenter Chris Packham - and is not the first time protesters have taken to the streets in Dorchester.

(Image: Graham Hunt Photography)

As reported, in April the protesters demanded changes to the current Hunting Act with a focus on banning trail hunting.

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.

(Image: Graham Hunt Photography)

However, activists claim that this is being used as a smokescreen for hunt groups to continue illegal hunting.

The protesters called on the new Labour government to stand by its election pledge to ban trail hunting and also tighten the current laws.

Mr Woods added: "We have laws and they need to be upheld.

"The police are getting better with dealing with hunts breaking hunting laws.

"We now have a new government and we are calling on Labour to keep their promise of banning trail hunting and all loopholes are closed in the Hunting Act."

A spokesperson for for Dorset Police said: "Dorset Police was aware of a planned protest in Dorchester town centre on Saturday, July 13.

"We respect people’s right to lawful protest and officers, together with partners from Dorset Council and the town council, liaised with the event organisers, community leaders and stakeholders to ensure people can exercise their right to protest legally and safely.

"The Dorset Rural Crime Team will continue to work proactively with rural residents and hunt monitors to encourage them to report incidents to us where suspected illegal hunting has taken place and bring offenders before the courts."