Shropshire Star

Boxing Day hunts out in force in Shropshire

The traditional Boxing Day hunts took to the streets of Shropshire and mid Wales with as strong a support as ever.

Published
Last updated
The Tanatside Hunt in Welshpool. Picture: Vanessa Thomas

Between one and two thousands people crowded into Welshpool to see the Tanatside Hunt parade through the centre of the town while there were similar spectacles in Newport town centre with the Albrighton Hunt and at Ludlow.

There the Ludlow Hunt rode through the Castle Gates and through the town, watched by hundreds of people.

What's your view? Vote here:

With fears over demonstrations and saboteurs many groups were not publicising their Boxing Day meets.

The hunt is known the Albrighton and Woodland Hunt also has a gathering at Hagley Hall, near Stourbridge.

The Albrighton and Woodland Hunt has one of its starts at Hagley Hall traditionally

A spokesman for the Albrighton Hunt stressed that the group would be trail hunting, following a scent, and not fox hunting.

"We are expecting between 50-70 horses," he said.

There were 49 horses in the parade through Welshpool.

Crowds turn out for the Albrighton and Woodland hunt

Among those watching the parade was Montgomeryside MP, Glyn Davies.

He said: "I am not an active huntsman myself, but am a massive supporter of tradition and personal freedom. I only became a full on supporter when the Government banned hunting with dogs."

Labour has announced that it would strengthen the ban against fox hunting by adding jail terms as potential punishment. Labour’s shadow environment secretary Sue Hayman said she wants jail terms on a par with other wildlife crimes.

Sorry, we are not accepting comments on this article.