Hunt apologises after hounds run off near homes

A hunt has apologised after hounds broke away from a pack and ran past homes on an industrial estate.

The Heythrop Hunt said its hounds deviated from the trail that had been laid for them on 25 January in Bourton-on-the-Water, Gloucestershire, but were "swiftly returned".

It comes after the hunt said it would "try to ensure that future events would be kept away from residential areas" following a similar incident in October.

"More powers are needed to stop hunts breaking the law", said John Petrie, from charity the League Against Cruel Sports.

He added: "It's time for change".

Gloucestershire Constabulary said it had been contacted and an investigation is ongoing after residents reported loose hounds in the area, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

"Police were contacted on Saturday with a report of loose hounds from a hunt in residential and industrial areas in Bourton-on-the-Water", a spokesperson said.

"Enquiries are ongoing and no offences have been identified at this time".

The hunt's chairman apologised to Bourton Parish Council over a similar incident in October which it said was "isolated".

Speaking after the incident in January, a spokesperson added: "On this occasion the hounds were swiftly returned safely to the pack and we apologise to anybody who may have been inconvenienced by this occurrence."

Mr Petrie said: "This hunt has been at pains to say it follows pre-laid trails, but being found – yet again – in places it has no business being.

"We're asking the government to remove the loopholes in the Hunting Act and introduce maximum custodial sentences for those who persist in chasing wildlife with hounds through the countryside."

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