Police issue warning notice to hunt group
Last week, the Rural Affairs team at Devon & Cornwall Police issued a Community Protection Warning notice (CPW) to a hunt group within the force area, following allegations of anti-social behaviour and trespass.
A CPW is a formal, written notice issued by police warning individuals about behaviour which is believed to be causing unreasonable and/or persistent disruption to the community, and this is the first time Devon & Cornwall Police have issued a notice to a hunt.
The Hunt group received the warning on Thursday 15 January and must now adhere to a series of conditions set out in the notice, which include – but are not limited to – notifying local police of trail hunting activity, hunt meets or training events in advance; keeping hounds under close control at all times and gaining written permission from the landowner before venturing onto privately-owned land. The notice also requires the Hunt to refrain from blocking or causing disruption to highways, and states that the Hunt must not cause nuisance, annoyance, harm or distress (through words, or actions) to any member of the public or employees of Devon & Cornwall Police.
Failure to comply with these conditions could result in further action being taken, including a stricter Community Protection Notice or prosecution.
Superintendent Emma Butler-Jones is the Force Lead for Hunting. She 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.”
Anyone who has witnessed illegal hunting activity or anti-social behaviour (such as trespass, harassment or hounds out of control) is encouraged to report it to Police by filling in a form on the force website or by calling 101.
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