Just heard about this, so make sure you have a landowners permission before bagging a rabbit or two
Hunting Act conviction
Merseyside police has secured the UKs first ever conviction for offences under the Hunting Act 2004 - but it was not a person who was following hounds on horseback.
In the early hours of 5 June 2005, PCs Boyd Francis and Sean Kelly arrested 19-year-old Adam Pengilley of Liverpool as he was leaving the Leverhulme Estate in Merseyside. Mr. Pengilley was in possession of two lurchers and lamping equipment.
He admitted that he had been hunting rabbits on the estate without permission from the landowners and therefore his hunting with dogs was not exempt. Mr. Pengilley was charged with offences against the Hunting Act 2004 and pleaded guilty at South Sefton Magistrates Court on 6 October 2005. He was fined £155 with £35 costs.
PC Andy McWilliam, Wildlife Officer for Merseyside Police, said: "Nationally, organised hunts have been the main focus of attention; however the Hunting Act is a useful tool to combat poaching-type offences, which are more of a problem in our area. We will not tolerate this type of behaviour and will crack down on anyone believed to be responsible."
John Rolls, RSPCA Director of Animal Welfare Promotion said: "This conviction demonstrates to those who continue to hunt wild mammals that those caught breaking this law will be brought to justice."
Lamping is a form of pest control involving the shooting of foxes and ground game at night with the aid of powerful lights. Hunters lamps can illuminate areas up to 300 metres away and are sometimes fixed to a vehicle. The reflection of the light in the eyes of the quarry startles them and helps direct the lampers aim.
Taken from http://www.nfucountryside.co.uk/news-1721.htm
Greywolf
Hunting Act conviction
Merseyside police has secured the UKs first ever conviction for offences under the Hunting Act 2004 - but it was not a person who was following hounds on horseback.
In the early hours of 5 June 2005, PCs Boyd Francis and Sean Kelly arrested 19-year-old Adam Pengilley of Liverpool as he was leaving the Leverhulme Estate in Merseyside. Mr. Pengilley was in possession of two lurchers and lamping equipment.
He admitted that he had been hunting rabbits on the estate without permission from the landowners and therefore his hunting with dogs was not exempt. Mr. Pengilley was charged with offences against the Hunting Act 2004 and pleaded guilty at South Sefton Magistrates Court on 6 October 2005. He was fined £155 with £35 costs.
PC Andy McWilliam, Wildlife Officer for Merseyside Police, said: "Nationally, organised hunts have been the main focus of attention; however the Hunting Act is a useful tool to combat poaching-type offences, which are more of a problem in our area. We will not tolerate this type of behaviour and will crack down on anyone believed to be responsible."
John Rolls, RSPCA Director of Animal Welfare Promotion said: "This conviction demonstrates to those who continue to hunt wild mammals that those caught breaking this law will be brought to justice."
Lamping is a form of pest control involving the shooting of foxes and ground game at night with the aid of powerful lights. Hunters lamps can illuminate areas up to 300 metres away and are sometimes fixed to a vehicle. The reflection of the light in the eyes of the quarry startles them and helps direct the lampers aim.
Taken from http://www.nfucountryside.co.uk/news-1721.htm
Greywolf