Devon hunt group handed formal police warning after issues over behaviour and trespassing

Devon and Cornwall Police have issued a formal warning notice to a hunt group following reports of anti-social behaviour and trespass.

The Community Protection Warning (CPW) was issued last week by the force’s Rural Affairs team after allegations made over an 11-month period. 

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Police confirmed this is the first time a CPW has been issued to a hunt group by Devon and Cornwall Police.

The warning was served on Thursday 15 January and sets out a number of conditions the hunt group must now follow.

These include notifying police in advance of trail hunting activities, hunt meets or training events, keeping hounds under close control, and gaining written permission before entering privately owned land. 

The notice also states the group must not block or disrupt highways, or cause nuisance, annoyance, harm or distress to members of the public or police staff.

Failure to comply with the conditions could result in further action, including a stricter Community Protection Notice or prosecution.

A Community Protection Warning is a written notice issued when police believe behaviour is causing unreasonable or persistent disruption to a community. It is intended to prevent issues from continuing or escalating.

Superintendent Emma Butler-Jones, force lead for hunting, said the notice followed multiple reports.

She said: “Last week, we issued a Community Protection Warning notice to a Hunt, following several reports of anti-social behaviour and trespass over the past 11 months.

“I want to be clear that there is no place for illegal hunting in Devon and Cornwall.”

She added: “I hope that the issuing of this notice sends a clear message to hunt groups that anti-social behaviour, trespassing on private land or any other illegal activity will not be tolerated.

“I also hope this provides reassurance to those affected by the actions of hunt groups, and our rural communities, that we take all reports of illegal hunting seriously.”

Devon and Cornwall Police are encouraging anyone who witnesses suspected illegal hunting or related anti-social behaviour to report it.

Incidents such as trespass, harassment or hounds being out of control can be reported by calling 101 or by completing a report form on the Devon and Cornwall Police website.