Tony Wright appeal decision expected this week

The judge hearing the appeal of the first huntsman to be prosecuted under the Hunting Act 2004 is expected to make his decision early this week.

The appeal case of Exmoor huntsman Tony Wright was heard at Exeter Crown Court last week, and closed last Friday.

Exmoor huntsman Tony Wright was convicted by Barnstable Magistrates Court in August 2006 of hunting a wild mammal with dogs. The prosecution was brought privately by the League Against Cruel Sports (LACS).

The Barnstable judge’s ruling was based on video evidence filmed by LACS on 29 April 2005.

Wright’s appeal hinges on the exemption of flushing a fox using two hounds.

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