Vegans and animal rights protesters interrupted a Boxing Day hunt in Beverley by unfurling placards and jeering at riders.

In what has become an annual tradition, the Holderness Hunt meets every year on December 26 with dozens of men and women congregating in their customary red tunics on Beverley Westwood.

However, the meet also attracts campaigners and animal rights activists – and this year was no different.

The group, which were armed with banners, made their voices heard with people booing and chanting “shame on you” as the bugle sounded to mark the start of the hunt.

Fox hunting with dogs has been illegal for 14 years under the Hunting Act 2004 but groups now lay artificial trails so that hunts can still take place.

Leon helped to organise the protest
Leon helped to organise the protest

Around 40 protesters, comprising mainly vegans, gathered on a cold and crisp Wednesday afternoon to campaign against with Hull Animal Rights Association co-founder ‘Leon Vegan MP’ leading the rally.

The 31-year-old labelled fox hunting a “blood sport” and claimed that although fake trails are used, foxes can still get killed in the process with dogs still picking up on “real” scents.

Leon said: “We want to raise awareness by having a presence there and saying to everyone we are against hunting.

“I think the majority of people are against fox hunting. It’s unnecessary – what is the purpose of going out and brutally and savagely killing these animals?

Around 40 protesters gathered
Around 40 protesters gathered

“There is absolutely no need for it and no justification for killing sentient animals. We don’t need to kill animals to survive and what they do is savagery – it’s a blood sport.”

Ahead of this year’s Boxing Day hunts, Labour had pledged to toughen up the ban on fox hunting with dogs by saying it will consult on locking up those who break the law.

Watch: The law on fox hunting

Since 2004, fox hunting has been outlawed with the pursuit of live animals replaced by trail hunting, which sees riders and hounds follow a pre-laid scent such as fox urine.

However, activists, such as the Hull Animal Rights Association say banned practices can continue if the trails are laid close to where foxes are likely to be.

Fox hunting has long been a controversial sport
Fox hunting has long been a controversial sport

Sue Hayman, shadow environment secretary, said an incoming Labour government would review penalties under the Hunting Act 2004 to ensure it is an effective deterrent.

It would include a consultation on the introduction of custodial sentences, bringing it in line with the penalties for other wildlife crimes.

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Ms Hayman said they would also consider measures to prevent the exploitation of "loopholes" in the legislation, which covers England and Wales.

It could include the introduction of a new "recklessness" clause to prevent trail or drag hunts being used as cover for the illegal hunting of wild mammals.

Ms Hayman said they would also look at removing an exemption for the use of dogs underground to protect game birds as it risks fights between hounds and wild animals.


"While Theresa May proposed scrapping the Hunting Act all together, Labour is today calling time on those who defy the law by announcing several measures that would clamp down on illegal hunting.

"Labour is the true party of animal welfare. These new proposals form part of the next chapter in striving to ensure our laws and regulations on animal welfare are up to date and fit for purpose."

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