What were hunters doing beside river?
SOMETIMES I have wondered what might have happened to the old otter/mink hunts since 'the ban'. I now know!
In the depths of the countryside recently, I was astonished to see about 20 people, some in the traditional garb of the otter hunter of history, walking along the banks of a peaceful river.
They were shouting and occasionally blowing on a hunting horn. With them, they had a pack of about 16 dogs which were allowed to go into the river. At no time did these people seem to be concerned about the disruption they and their dogs were causing to the river and the river bank — all part of a fragile nature reserve.
Have other readers witnessed this bizarre, surreal activity? Were the hunters aware that it is an offence to disturb otter, newt and water-vole habitat?
Name and address supplied
6 Comments
by Grace M Yoxon, Isle of Skye
Monday, June 28 2010, 10:31AM
“I suggest you report this to your local Police Wildlife Liaison Officer. Although as someone has pointed out mink hunts are still legal, disturbance of otters is not. It will not do any harm for the Police to be made aware of this situation and if you have a good Officer they will monitor the situation. If you need help or advice contact me via the International Otter Survival Fund's website (www.otter.org)”
by Meateater Keith, Exeter
Thursday, June 17 2010, 1:00PM
“Can we hunt seagulls, my cars covered in poo and today being bin day they've been feasting and squawking since 5am!!
Not sure if you could train a beagle to fly, so there may be a flaw in the plan.
Think we need to take the Chinese approach....If its got four legs and it's not a table then EAT IT. If it flies and its not a plane then EAT IT. If its in the water and its not untreated sewage then EAT IT.”
by Steve Wilson, Vegan, Exeter
Wednesday, June 16 2010, 7:07PM
“Sounds like some sort of bizarre perverted blood-lust with no place in modern society. All creatures are equal, we should not harm other creatures and we should not eat them. Pity on the poor people who know nothing better than this barbarism.”
by Archibald Thribsnicket, Exeter
Wednesday, June 16 2010, 6:09PM
“I dunno about hunting animals, but something needs to be done about all the squashed ones stuck to the road with their guts hanging out. They are stinking like anything in the hot weather. Ugh !”
by Hayden Macey (a cynic), Newton Abbot
Wednesday, June 16 2010, 5:38PM
“The strange thing is that, although hunts claim they have more participants than before hunting with dogs was banned, except for a handful that hunt in remote areas they don't advertise their meets any more. A cynic might therefore conclude their bloodlust drives them to hunt illegally.”
by Mrs Y Street, Devon
Tuesday, June 15 2010, 10:24PM
“Well done- you've witnessed an Otter Hunt- sorry, a MINK Hunt! What? Hunting Mink/Otters illegal?
Who told the hounds- never mind the difference between an otter fleeing in the river and a mink!
Still, the Tory government is about to try and make all this 'fun' legal again so you'll be able to see even more of it!
Next time ask them what they're doing- they always say they welcome new members!”