Police have launched an investigation following allegations that the Quantock Staghounds, a red deer hunting group, engaged in illegal hunting activities on Broad Oak Hill in the Quantock Hills. The claims surfaced after footage emerged, posted by the North Dorset Hunt Saboteurs, showing what appears to be a stag being pursued by the hunt on Monday, 24 August.
The video depicts a stag darting out from a hedge and leaping past its pursuers before escaping. According to North Dorset Hunt Saboteurs, the footage was recorded about two hours into the hunt. They assert that hunters attempted to prevent the stag from crossing a road, as hunting is prohibited in that area.
Representing the Quantock Staghounds, the British Hound Sports Association (BHSA) contested the sequence of events shown in the footage, suggesting it has been edited out of chronological order. The BHSA emphasised that it would be inappropriate to draw conclusions about unlawful conduct until the police investigation is complete.
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A spokesperson for BHSA stated: “The Quantock Staghounds dispute the chronology being presented and believe the footage appears to have been edited out of sequence. The matter has been referred to Avon and Somerset Police, and it would not be appropriate to comment further at this stage. The Quantock Staghounds play a longstanding practical role in deer welfare on the hills, working with the Quantock Deer Management and Conservation Group, contributing valuable information, and providing live-deer casualty services for injured animals. Once the police position is clear, we will consider any necessary regulatory action.”
North Dorset Hunt Saboteurs expressed their shock at the alleged incident, noting that while the stag escaped, it may suffer from shock and exhaustion. They also highlighted that if the stag survives, it could be targeted again, especially given that only 14 mature stags were recorded in this year’s Quantock deer count. The group has called on the government to urgently address loopholes in the Hunting Act, particularly regarding exemptions for “research and observation” that may be exploited by stag hunts.
The North Dorset Hunt Saboteurs commented: “The stag was chased for around four hours through various locations before attempting to hide in grassland, where it was quickly surrounded. When it tried to cross a road where hunting is banned, members tried to block it, but supporters on the other side facilitated its escape. We remain appalled by the conduct of the remaining stag hunts who act as if the ban does not exist. Given the low stag population, this raises serious conservation concerns.”
Avon and Somerset Police confirmed they are investigating the incident. A spokesperson said: “Officers are looking into an allegation of illegal hunting on Broad Oak Hill, Taunton, on Monday 24 August at approximately 6am, following an online report. Enquiries are ongoing.”