Man fined for illegal hunt with dogs after police probe into Somerset meet
- Hayley O'Keeffe
- Apr 21
- 2 min read
A man has been fined after admitting illegally hunting a wild mammal with dogs leading campaigners to call on the government to action a ban on trail hunting without further delay.
Wayne Greggory, 48, of Huish Champflower, pleaded guilty to an offence under the Hunting Act 2004 following an incident in Somerset in November 2025.
Taunton Magistrates’ Court heard that the charge stemmed from an investigation by Avon and Somerset Police into a planned hunt linked to the Vale of Taunton and Banwell Harriers in Chilton Trinity on 26 November.
Greggory was fined £250, based on his income, and ordered to pay £185 in costs.
Two other men who had been charged in connection with the same incident have since had their cases discontinued.
The case has reignited debate over the effectiveness of the Hunting Act, more than two decades after it came into force with the aim of outlawing the pursuit of wild mammals with dogs.
Campaigners say prosecutions remain too rare, and penalties too low, to act as a meaningful deterrent.
Dr Jane Washington Evans, of Wildlife Guardian, said the outcome highlighted ongoing concerns.
She said: “This case is yet another example of how the Hunting Act is being undermined in practice. While any prosecution is welcome, the reality is that fines at this level do little to deter those who continue to break a law intended to stop cruel sports.”
Dr Washington Evans added: “We need stronger enforcement, meaningful penalties, and a clear signal that wildlife crime, in particular hunting of foxes, hares, deer and mink will not be tolerated."
The Government department DEFRA is currently undertaking a consultation on banning trail hunting.
And while the campaigner welcomed the DEFRA consultation, she said: "We need legislation to commence as soon as possible.
"Illegal hunting of foxes and hares continues behind a smokescreen of so-called trail hunting and where deer are concerned, the law is abused by hunts using a fog of called ‘scientific research.
"We are grateful that the Government are now prioritising action on this and I hope to see a functional Hunting Act. The law has been abused for far to long and the exemptions are now cruelty loopholes. They need to be finally closed."
Campaigners hope it could pave the way for tighter restriction including a trail hunting ban.
Animal welfare groups have repeatedly argued that without reform, loopholes will continue to be exploited and prosecutions like this will remain the exception rather than the rule.
