Huge turnout for Boxing Day hunting

Dec 27 2007 by Aaron Boland, Liverpool Daily Post

TRADITIONAL Boxing Day hunts are more popular in Cheshire than at any time since the introduction of laws banning hunting, it was claimed last night.

Richard de Prez, joint master of the Cheshire Forest Hunt, also said the public image of the sport had improved since the introduction of the ban three years ago.

About 250,000 people across the country took part in more than 300 hunts yesterday.

Mr de Prez said that, despite the ban, the turn-out yesterday was excellent, and they had more people than before the ban took effect.

He said 50 riders took part, up 15 on last year, and about 250 people gathered to see them off.

The 2004 Act made hunting with dogs a criminal offence, although it is still legal to exercise hounds, chase a scent trail, and flush out foxes to be shot.

Cheshire Forest Hunt lays a trail for the dogs to follow.

Mr de Prez said: “I would say hunting is more popular now than before the ban, the general public are more interested.

“General public opinion against us has also improved since the ban.”