Judge says Hunting Act “difficult to apply”
A judge has said that the Hunting Act is “difficult to interpret and apply” after ruling that three members of the Holderness had no case to answer against charges of illegal hunting.
Joint-master Charles Clark, former huntsman David Elliot and amateur whipper-in Philip Walker each faced one charge under the Act in relation to a day’s hunting on 21 January 2012.
Tim Bonner, director of campaigns for the Countryside Alliance, said: “The judge’s comments and the result of this case are further evidence that the Hunting Act is a failed law.”
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A St Andrews’ graduate, Catherine joined Horse & Hound in 2002 and stayed for 11 years in a variety of roles until she went freelance in June 2013. She rejoined the team part-time in November 2016 as hunting editor. She pretty much lives on the hunting field or at the racecourse, but also loves eventing, as a journalist, press officer and competitor. She was H&H’s sole accredited journalist at the London Olympic Games and has reported from major race meetings and eventing, showjumping and dressage championships and shows round the world, and has hunted all over Britain and Ireland.