Shooting UK

Shooting UK is your complete shooting resource. From gun reviews to shotgun licence and firearms certificate information, to clay pigeon shooting, game shooting, shooting lessons and gundog training.

Guilty verdict fuels Hunting Act confusion

Thursday, 07 June 2007

The huntsman and whipper-in of the Quantocks Staghounds have been found guilty of illegal hunting in the second case brought against a hunt.

The huntsman and whipper-in of the Quantocks Staghounds have been found guilty of illegal hunting in the second case brought against a hunt.

Richard Down, 36, and Adrian Pillivant, 44, were accused of breaching the Hunting Act 2004 on 16th February 2006.

The case rested on the first part of the 'fifth condition' of the 'flushing exemption', that reasonable steps are taken for the purpose of ensuring that after being found and flushed out, the wild mammal is shot dead by a competent person. However, the judge ruled that their belief that their hunting was ‘exempt’ was not ‘reasonable’.

This case, which was a private prosecution by the League Against Cruel Sports, demonstrates just how confusing and difficult to interpret the Hunting Act is. Countryside Alliance Chief Executive Simon Hart said “Since the Hunting Act came into force the Quantock Staghounds have acted entirely responsiily. They consulted legal experts, the hunting authorities and the police. The judgement contrasts with all their interpretations of the Act’.

For more on this story see next week's Shooting Times magazine



CompPrevious

Blackgrouse revival

A recent count of rare blackgrouse in England has ...

CompNext
Seeking ST back issues

Seeking ST back issues

Do you have any back issues of the Shooting Times ...


Guns

Ardesa Fowler shotgun review

Ardesa Fowler shotgun review

The Ardesa Fowler muzzle-loading shotgun could be the perfect introduc... Read more


More in Guns...


Sporting Answers

Is sugar the answer to stop my dog from having fits?

Is sugar the answer to stop my dog from having fits?

I have two springer spaniels, one five years old and the other 15 mont... Read more


More in Sporting Answers...


News

Wildfowlers target youth

Wildfowlers target youth

Wildfowlers target youth for the new season... Read more


More in News...


Comments

Shooting Times Magazine

What's in this issue?

Don't miss this week's issue (on sale Wednesday 16th May). FREE PRIZE DRAW: Win a Browning T-bolt.22 and Winchester ammo. Graham Downing gives his tips on where to find the best foreign sport! For all this and a whole lot more buy your copy today!

Subscribe to magazine


Subscribe to Shooting Times

Shooting Gazette Magazine

Save up to 31% on a subscription to Shooting Times & Country Magazine, subscribe today and perfect gift this Christmas.


Bowman trap

Don't miss your chance to win this fantastic Supermatch One

Enter competition