http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2012/may/14/hunt-members-guilty-fox-hounds?newsfeed=true

Three leading members of a Sussex hunt have been convicted of pursuing a fox illegally with hounds, in a case that will be seen a significant victory for animal rights activists.

The guilty verdicts at Haywards Heath magistrates court are a blow for the hunting community which is increasingly resentful of close scrutiny by monitors filming their pursuits.

Andrew Phillis, Neill Millard and Rachel Holdsworth, who are all members of the Crawley and Horsham Hunt, were convicted for breaching the hunting ban on different occasions last year.

Charges against a fourth member of the hunt were dropped two weeks ago during the lengthy trial. All three had denied the charges, saying they were out trail hunting — following an artificially laid scent – and did not plan to hunt or kill any foxes

THE PEOPLE’S CAMPAIGN AGAINST HUNTING

From the Hounds Off website against hunting with hounds

In respect of enforcing the Hunting Act, some recent good news; three members of the Crawley & Horsham Hunt were convicted of illegally hunting a wild mammal with dogs at Haywards Heath Magistrates Court earlier this week. This brings the number of successful prosecutions since hunting was banned in 2005 to approaching two hundred and proves yet again that enforcement can work. Well done to everyone in giving justice a chance; from monitors with video cameras to the police and law enforcement agencies.

Official figures show that, seven years on, the Hunting Act (2005) is the most successful piece of wildlife protection legislation to be introduced in recent times. It is curtailing the excesses of both registered Hunts and poacher-types across the countryside.

Nothing in life remains the same and this applies to the law as much as anything else. There is always an argument for updating the legal system as society grows and develops. The Hunting Act is no exception in this. Continued enforcement, coupled with future reinforcement, is the only sensible way forward.

In the meantime, Hounds Off is campaigning hard to make as much of the country Hunt-Free as possible by encouraging people like you to ban bloodsports where you live. Have a look at our website for details. Plump for the Hassle Free Option or Belt & Braces Approach, depending on your circumstance, and just follow the simple step-by-step instructions.

Remember that our power lies in our collective strength. Hounds Off is proud to reveal that over 500 English acres have been made Hunt-Free since our launch in September 2011. Much of this is in prime foxhunting country. We want the exclusion zone to increase and spread. Please take action and share our website with your family and friends.

Hounds Off really is the people’s campaign against hunting!