Two prosecutions by Cheshire Police linked to historic local hunts were discontinued after one was dropped by the CPS for insufficient evidence and another was dismissed by a magistrates' court for "weak, vague and inconsistent" material. Both cases were pursued under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and involved allegations that hounds were out of control. Court criticism included concerns about the quality of evidence and an expert witness who admitted to having no trail-hunting or hound experience. Hunting groups have questioned whether police resources were used appropriately, amid wider debate over the future of trail hunting.
Cheshire Police Criticised After Two Hunt Prosecutions Collapse Amid Questions Over Evidence
Riders and hounds before a Cheshire Forest Hunt event - Oli Scarff
Cheshire Police have come under fire after two separate prosecutions connected to historic local hunts were discontinued amid criticism of the strength of the evidence.
What Happened?
Both cases, brought under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, alleged that hounds had been allowed to become out of control and were therefore at risk of harm. The first matter concerned an incident in 2024 involving The Cheshire Forest Hunt, one of England's oldest packs, with proceedings issued against three directors.
The British Hound Sports Association told local media that two of the directors had been present on the day but had not organised the hunt, while the third was abroad. All three pleaded not guilty and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) discontinued the prosecution before trial, citing insufficient evidence.
The second case related to a 2025 episode in which two hounds strayed onto private farmland and were shot by a concerned farmer; one hound was killed and another wounded. Although the hunt's masters were charged with alleged animal welfare failings, a magistrates' court dismissed the case in August, describing the material as "weak, vague and inconsistent." District Judge Barnes added that "the failings in this case lay with the police."
"The failings in this case lay with the police." — District Judge Barnes
Evidence And Expert Witness Concerns
At the hearing, the Crown's expert witness conceded he had no experience of trail hunting or working with hounds. The account given by the man who shot the dogs was also found to be inconsistent with his written statement. The farmer, who said he feared the hounds were worrying his horses, retained his gun licence and was not charged.
Responses And Wider Context
Hunting groups, including the British Hound Sports Association and the Countryside Alliance, said the mishandled prosecutions raised legitimate questions about Cheshire Police's priorities and the use of rural policing resources. Oliver Hughes of the British Hound Sports Association called for an explanation from the force; Tim Bonner, chief executive of the Countryside Alliance, described the proceedings as "bizarre and unnecessary."
Trail hunting — where hounds follow an artificial scent rather than live quarry — has become politically contentious recently: Labour has pledged to ban the practice. Cheshire Police said the investigations were "lengthy and complex" and described the first prosecution as a UK first, adding that, while they acknowledged the outcomes, they would continue to pursue those who harm or endanger animals.
This episode highlights tensions between rural communities, animal-welfare enforcement and policing priorities, and underscores the importance of strong, specialist evidence when bringing prosecutions related to countryside activities.
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