On this Bank Holiday Monday, a day which could be spent in joyful leisure and serene relaxation with loved ones, we implore you to consider the gravity of the events scheduled to take place at the point-to-point races in Eyton, in the shadow of the Wrekin.
The North & South Shropshire Hunt which are involved in today's event, have a troubling track record, documented by numerous incidents that point to a blatant disregard for wildlife laws and the welfare of animals. A litany of reported offenses includes illegal hunting of foxes, hounds out of control on public roads leading to fatalities, and even assault on individuals who monitor these activities to ensure legality and safety. (see a selection of just 15 incidents referenced below).
These events are not merely isolated incidents, but rather a pattern of behavior that conflicts with both the spirit of the law and the basic tenets of compassion towards animals. By attending such events, we inadvertently endorse and financially support these actions, which run counter to the values many of us hold dear.
Therefore, we urge you to stand in solidarity with those who advocate for the protection of wildlife and the preservation of our countryside's natural beauty. Let us not be complicit in these cruelties by turning a blind eye. Instead, let us choose alternative ways to celebrate this holiday, ways that do not involve the exploitation and harm of our wildlife and natural heritage.
Speak out against animal cruelty, and let your absence from the Eyton races be your statement. There are countless ways to enjoy the day that do not involve contributing to unnecessary suffering. Choose kindness, choose respect for life, and let us together ensure a more compassionate world for all living beings.
Selected Incidents.
1. **Incident number: 403S211219**
- Summary: Illegal hunting with hounds surrounding a covert. A fox was seen running out and escaped to safety.
2. **Incident number: 283S281219**
- Summary: Terrier men and North Shropshire Hunt members were filmed with hounds at a known badger sett, which was blocked.
3. **Incident number: 256S04012020**
- Summary: Illegal hunting where three foxes were flushed during the day, with hounds marking the third fox to ground in a badger sett.
4. **Incident number: 0240-S-180120**
- Summary: An injured fox was observed escaping the hunt, with no opportunity to film the incident.
5. **Incident number: 541s290220**
- Summary: Hounds chased a fox from Sibdon Wood, with roads blocked and terrier men in attendance.
6. **Incident number: 609S260120**
- Summary: Two terrier men were seen on a one-man quad, which had no license plate.
7. **Incident number: S271 010220**
- Summary: Hounds were out of control on the A41, resulting in one hound being killed and its body placed in a car boot.
8. **Incident number: 187S020220**
- Summary: The hunt was observed illegally hunting.
9. **Incident number: N343/08/02/20**
- Summary: Illegal hunting observed, with hounds going into cry in the woods and terrier men present on an unlicensed quad bike.
10. **Incident number: 297S150220**
- Summary: Hounds marked to ground on an active badger sett and roads were blocked by hunt support.
11. **Incident number: 288/5110120**
- Summary: A female field welfare guardian was assaulted by a terrier man.
12. **Incident number: 22/3588/20**
- Summary: Unlicensed quads on the road and two exhausted foxes were seen running for their lives.
13. **Incident number: Unknown**
- Summary: Trespass onto Venus Pools nature reserve, causing disruption to wildlife and visitors.
14. **Incident number: 376-S-070320**
- Summary: Blocked badger setts, illegal hunting, and hindrance of field welfare guardians by hunt supporters.
15. **Incident number: 04-S-070320**
- Summary: Unlicensed quads were illegally on the road.
This list reflects the incidents as reported, highlighting practices that run afoul of wildlife protection laws and ethical standards.
We are writing to the sponsors to raise their awareness of what they are sponsoring and asking that they reconsider future sponsorship of such events -
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