A recent report has identified Somerset as the second worst county in England and Wales for illegal fox persecution, shedding light on the alarming scale of unlawful hunting across the countryside. The 2024/25 season report by campaign group Protect the Wild records a total of 411 cases of foxes being chased or killed—an increase of 13% compared to the previous year. Somerset alone accounted for 44 reported incidents, with several local hunts repeatedly implicated.
Drawing on data collected between July 2024 and April 2025 from hunt saboteur monitors, police records, public tip-offs, and direct submissions, the report exposes the pervasive and systemic breaches of hunting laws. The Blackmore and Sparkford Vale Hunt, operating across Dorset and Somerset, was tied to 52 fox chases and two confirmed kills. The Mendip Farmers Hunt was reported chasing 20 foxes, while recent action by Mendip Hunt Saboteurs revealed hounds from the Weston and Banwell Harriers with West Somerset Vale pursuing a fox for over 15 minutes. Although the fox escaped after being knocked down by a hound, its injuries remain uncertain.
Mendip Hunt Saboteurs commented, “While the fox managed to evade capture, we cannot determine the full extent of injuries sustained from the chase or the stress inflicted.”
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Including chases involving deer and hares, more than 700 wildlife persecution incidents were documented during the season. The report also highlights Somerset alongside Dorset, Devon, Gloucestershire, Cheshire, and Wrexham as hotspots not only for wildlife persecution but for associated anti-social behaviours such as road disruptions, trespassing, and confrontations — totaling 1,620 incidents witnessed throughout the season.
Across England and Wales, 74 hunts were observed engaging in illegal fox chases or killings, illustrating a widespread culture of rule-breaking within hunting circles.
Charlotte Smith, campaign lead for Protect the Wild, stated: “Our annual report uncovers a harsh reality—wildlife continues to face relentless persecution. Hunts treat rural areas as their playgrounds, with hounds running loose and road safety ignored. Those who stand against this cruelty, including local residents, often face violence and intimidation. ‘Trail hunting’ is a facade. We urgently need a clear and enforceable ban on hunting to protect wildlife, hounds, and communities.”
Although the Labour Party pledged to ban trail hunting prior to their 2024 election victory, Protect the Wild warns that no legislative reforms have yet been implemented. The group is pressing the government to follow through on its commitment and strengthen the protections under the Hunting Act.