An update on the policing of hunt activities in Warwickshire

Warwickshire Police would like to share the following update on policing of hunt activities in the county.

During the 2023/24 hunt season we have been engaging with all parties involved and recorded all reported incidents.  While some of these reports submitted have contained video evidence, often this has been short or edited clips which creates difficulties in using these for evidential purposes.  Some of the reports were from Warwickshire residents, however in many cases the reports were from people outside the county who were not directly affected by the activity, or the incidents did not occur within Warwickshire. 

We have, however, received reports of four criminal offences. One of these is now with the Crown Prosecution Service for a charging decision and the other three are minor offences with the investigations due to conclude in the next few weeks.

The protocol that was in place with the Warwickshire Hunt for the 2023/24 season to address road safety concerns has now concluded.

Before the start of the 2024/25 season, we will publish a public code of behaviour setting out the expectations on anyone taking part in trail hunting activities in the county and to ensure we keep all members of our communities safe.

We will continue to balance the rights of residents, those who wish to legally trail hunt and those who wish to legally protest.

We look forward to working positively with all interested parties during the 2024/25 season.