Warwickshire Hunt agrees 'no-go' zones with Banburyshire village

Warwickshire Hunt has agreed 'no-go' zones in and around Hornton in a bid to prevent hounds straying through the village centre.
Hornton Primary School where hounds strayed during a hunt in JanuaryHornton Primary School where hounds strayed during a hunt in January
Hornton Primary School where hounds strayed during a hunt in January

Hornton Parish Council asked the Warwickshire to make the village an exclusion zone after hounds ran amok as parents were collecting small children from primary school one day in January. See Banbury Guardian report here.

Some villagers believed the hounds were chasing a fox and were out of control. The hunt disputed this account and said hounds had diverted from a laid scent trail. Hunting wild mammals with dogs was outlawed by the Hunting Act in 2004.

The Warwickshire Hunt has responded to the parish council's appeal and has agreed there will be no use of public footpaths near the village by members of the hunt on quad bikes or horses.

They also committed not to lay trails on or along the boundaries of Hornton to reduce the risk of hounds straying onto private land.

"We will also place hunt staff and others at strategic points and times during a day's hunting to make every possible effort to stop the hounds from trespassing onto private land in the village," a spokesman said.

The hunt said it was very warmly welcomed by many farmers and landowners whose land lies on the edges of Hornton and over whose land footpaths cross.

"We have explicit permission from these landowners to cross their land with our horses and quad bikes and the sight of our hounds and mounted field are very warmly welcomed indeed. There is obviously a bridleway that runs through the village and which the horses are entitled to use.

"The Warwickshire Hunt operates under a Code of Conduct which is applicable to all hunt members and addresses all issues regarding the highway and countryside regulations. It can be seen here.

"We have repeated to Hornton Parish council our existing commitment to inform landowners, horse owners and dog owners when we are in the area with two to three days' notice.

"In our conversations with the parish council we were delighted to hear that they were considering coming to our kennels to meet our hounds 'at home' so they could see what friendly animals they are. We hope that our communication with Hornton PC continues to evolve into a good working relationship for the benefit of all in the future - understanding only comes from a healthy dialogue, in which we are happy to participate," the spokesman said.

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