The Independent newspaper reports on an investigation by the League Against Cruel Sports  animal welfare charity that found that artificial earths – structures built to provide breeding places and homes for foxes – are being maintained in areas used by all but three of the 24 hunts that it monitored around the country.

“From building extensive earths, to providing food, water and bedding, the very notion of hunts following artificial trails becomes ever more laughable,” said Professor John Cooper QC

“Whilst most of us suspected the hunts would carry on their nefarious activity, I for one never quite imagined they would be as blatant and, frankly as stupid, as to continue their use of artificial fox earths.” Between June and October this year, investigators from the League visited 16 counties in England to inspect land used by 24 hunts. Artificial earths with signs of recent renovation or food supply were found at 21 of them, according to the report.

The League claimed to have found six artificial earths on land regularly hunted by the Heythrop Hunt in Gloucestershire, the local hunt in David Cameron’s Witney constituency and one that he has ridden with on at least six occasions.

Please read the full article here:http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/hunt-backed-by-pm-accused-of-breaking-rules-to-keep-foxes-6255006.html

THE DAILY EXPRESS

DAVID CAMERON’S HUNT PALS ACCUSED OVER FOX BAN

Sunday October 30,2011

A massive undercover operation spanning three months, 16 counties and 24 hunts has recorded undisputable evidence that individuals are encouraging foxes in artificial earths. League investigators have found evidence of earths which have been built or renovated since the passing of the Hunting Act where food and water is being supplied.

The League has obtained footage of four hunts dumping food close to the earths and three providing water. Among these is a Dorset hunt where a kennel worker was seen depositing large amounts of offal near to an earth. Several well maintained artificial earths were found in the country of the Heythrop Hunt – with whom David Cameron has hunted – with one being supplied with fresh chickens. Duck carcasses and what is believed to be out of date supermarket stock were found dumped in woods in Yorkshire believed to be owned by the Sinnington Hunt.

The League’s chief executive Joe Duckworth described the findings as the “tip of the iceberg”. He said: “In just a short space of time our investigators have shown without a shadow of a doubt that there is a determined effort amongst the hunting community to keep fox numbers artificially high. The evidence points at a pattern of extreme behaviour which I am convinced goes far and beyond the evidence obtained by the League in this investigation and may be connected with other wildlife crimes such as hunting with dogs”.

The evidence has been passed to relevant local authority trading standards departments and where appropriate, the police where investigations are ongoing.

• Hunts and artificial earths.pdf 

External Link: artificialearths