Police Take Rare Action Against Hunt Group After Public Complaints

Last week, the Rural Affairs team at Devon & Cornwall Police issued a Community Protection Warning notice to a hunt group operating within the force area.

The warning follows allegations of anti-social behaviour and trespass and marks the first time the force has issued this type of notice to a hunt.

What is a Community Protection Warning?

A Community Protection Warning, known as a CPW, is a formal written notice issued by police when behaviour is believed to be causing unreasonable or persistent disruption to the community.

The hunt group received the warning on Thursday 15th January and must now comply with a series of conditions set out by police.

Conditions Set Out in the Notice

The conditions attached to the warning include, but are not limited to, the following requirements:

• Local police must be notified in advance of trail hunting activity, hunt meets or training events

• Hounds must be kept under close control at all times

• Written permission must be obtained from landowners before entering privately owned land

• The hunt must not block or disrupt highways

• The hunt must not cause nuisance, annoyance, harm or distress through words or actions to members of the public or employees of Devon & Cornwall Police

Police have confirmed that failure to comply with these conditions could lead to further action, including a stricter Community Protection Notice or prosecution.

Police Response

Superintendent Emma Butler-Jones, the force lead for hunting, said:

“Last week, we issued a Community Protection Warning notice to a Hunt, following several reports of anti-social behaviour and trespass over the past 11 months.

I want to be clear that there is no place for illegal hunting in Devon and Cornwall.

I hope that the issuing of this notice sends a clear message to hunt groups that anti-social behaviour, trespassing on private land or any other illegal activity will not be tolerated.

I also hope this provides reassurance to those affected by the actions of hunt groups, and our rural communities, that we take all reports of illegal hunting seriously.”

How to Report Concerns

Anyone who witnesses illegal hunting activity or anti-social behaviour, including trespass, harassment or hounds out of control, is encouraged to report it to police. Reports can be made by completing a form on the Devon & Cornwall Police website or by calling 101.