Police ‘thoroughly and robustly’ investigating allegations a fox was killed during a hunt in Cheshire
Cheshire police have launched an investigation after a fox was reportedly killed during a hunt at the weekend.
The incident is said to have taken place during a trail hunt in Huxley near Chester.
According to a post of the Cheshire Hunt Saboteurs Facebook page the body the vixen was allegedly thrown into the canal and retrieved by members of the the group.
Cheshire Police said they had been notified of the animals death .
A Cheshire Police spokesman said: “Shortly after 1.30pm today Cheshire Police were notified that a fox had been killed while a trail hunt was taking place in the Huxley area.
An investigation into the circumstances has been launched, and a number of parties are being spoken to.
The role of the police is to enforce the law impartially.
We recognise how emotive this issue is and we would like to assure everyone that the matter will be thoroughly investigated.”
Labour MP, Chris Matheson, called for prosecution and prison terms if allegations proved, he wrote on Twitter: “I am receiving reports of a fox being killed by a Cheshire hunt.
I will be seeking confirmation but if true then prosecution and prison sentences must follow. Better still an outright ban on fox hunting.”
Cheshire police and crime commissioner David Keane ordered a review last year into the way Cheshire Police upholds hunting laws following concerns over allegations of illegal hunting.
Mr Kean said today: “I am aware of the incident which took place during a trail hunt in the Huxley area this weekend and have been contacted by a range of residents and their representatives expressing their concerns.
The investigation of allegations related to any illegal activity, including those of illegal hunting, is the responsibility of the acting chief constable and the officers and staff under her command.
“The constabulary is aware of the allegations and in my role as your police and crime commissioner in holding the chief constable to account, I will be seeking an overview of the investigation and any outcomes from those leading it.
The acting chief constable is fully aware of my expectation that such incidents are thoroughly and robustly investigated.
“I would also like to remind Cheshire residents that following the independent review I commissioned into illegal hunting in Cheshire, I will be holding a scrutiny meeting in public next month to discuss the outcomes of this review and the subsequent action plan to ensure Cheshire Constabulary is upholding its responsibilities under the Hunting Act 2004.
“In the meantime, I would urge anyone who has evidence of any criminal activity relating to illegal hunting to contact Cheshire Police.”
Picture: Cheshire Hunt Saboteurs/Facebook
