The Cotley Hunt, based in the Blackdown Hills near the Somerset-Devon border, has responded firmly to recent allegations questioning the safety and hygiene of their annual Boxing Day meet in Chard town centre. Critics have labelled the event a “high risk” to public safety, sparking heated debate.
At Somerset Council’s December meeting, Alyson Rogers of Action Against Foxhunting (AAF) raised concerns about the hunt’s adherence to proper road closure procedures and the hygiene standards surrounding their animals. She claimed that the Cotley Hunt had failed to apply for authorised road closures along the A30 Fore Street and warned of potential disease transmission from hounds supposedly fed on raw fallen stock.
Rogers cited a 2023 incident in Tiverton where a hound’s fecal sample tested positive for salmonella. She also highlighted risks related to public interaction, such as the petting of hounds by children, referencing a previous outbreak of cryptosporidium at a petting zoo as a cautionary example. Rogers suggested that insurance coverage for disease transmission may be inadequate and raised concerns about unpredictable behaviour from hunt horses navigating crowded town centres.
READ MORE: 9 Things I Wish I’d Known Before Moving to the West Country
READ MORE: Murder Investigation Launched After Woman Dies Following Serious Assault in Wiltshire Flat
In response, Councillor Federica Smith-Roberts acknowledged personal opposition to hunting but emphasised that the council must operate within existing legislation. She clarified that road closures require formal applications that can only be declined for traffic or safety reasons. Any unauthorised closures or illegal hunting activities fall under police jurisdiction to enforce.
The Cotley Hunt spokesperson reaffirmed their commitment to safety, confirming that all required road closure licences and public liability insurance are in place annually. They outlined their practices: hounds receive a carefully managed diet predominantly consisting of dry prepared dog food and undergo routine veterinary care, including worming treatments before Christmas. Hand sanitiser is provided to visitors wishing to interact with the hounds.
Regarding mounted participants, only horses accustomed to noise and town environments join the festivities within Chard, with others kept outside the town limits to ensure safety. The spokesperson expressed pride in their hounds and the historic relationship with Chard, welcoming the community to the Boxing Day event each year.
The Cotley Hunt pledged to continue prioritising health and safety measures, ensuring the occasion remains a safe, enjoyable, and inclusive celebration for all attendees.