Hunt police notice dropped

A police notice against the Warwickshire Hunt has been dropped at the 11th hour.

The 200-year-old Warwickshire Hunt was handed a Community Protection Notice (CPN) in late 2022 that would have required them to give locations and timings of any road crossings a week before their meets.

The hunt was due to appeal the order in court this week, but it was abandoned as they agreed a protocol with the force, which dropped the CPN.

Polly Portwin, hunting director of the Countryside Alliance, said: “This case highlights wider concerns about the policing of hunts and other rural activities. It is the role of the police to properly implement legislation on the basis of evidence, not to respond to online animal rights campaigns.”

On 23 November 2022, drivers were forced to swerve and brake as the Warwickshire hounds ran loose across the A422 near Stratford. The incident was filmed by West Midlands Hunt Saboteurs.

This resolution comes several days after notorious hunt saboteur Paul Allman, 48, has been jailed for 20 weeks for confronting the Wynnstay Hunt in Cheshire, before striking two supporters.

Warwickshire police said: “We look forward to working with the hunt to ensure the protocol is implemented and they can go about their lawful activity while ensuring the safety of road users.”