A DORSET agricultural show has baulked under pressure and will now no longer allow two hunt groups to parade their hounds at the event this year.
The Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show had planned to allow both the Blackmore & Sparkford Vale (BSV) Hunt and the Portman Hunt to feature in the show once again this year, despite it coming to light that members of both hunts had been convicted for fox hunting offences since the show was last held in August.
Action Against Foxhunting (AAF) was one of the groups that called for organisers to review their decision but was met with silence. Similarly, requests from your New Blackmore Vale for comment were ignored.
Now, taking to social media, the show announced it has walked back from its decision following our story, saying it has asked both hunts to not participate this year.
The hound parade, however, will continue as planned at the show this August.
Their statement reads: “The [Gillingham & Shaftesbury Agricultural] society has a long history of celebrating rural life in all its forms, and the hound parade has traditionally been a part of that – offering a short, 20-minute glimpse into a longstanding countryside tradition enjoyed by many of our visitors, including local farmers and families alike.
“Whilst there will remain a hound parade at this year’s show, after careful consideration, the society has asked that both the Blackmore & Sparkford Vale Hunt and the Portman Hunt do not participate in the 2025 hound parade.
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Trail hunting remains a divisive issue
“We understand that trail hunting remains a divisive issue. This decision does not reflect a shift in the society’s values, nor is it a commentary on legal hunting activity.
“Rather, it is a response to recent legal convictions and our responsibility to maintain the reputation and charitable aims of the show.
“We thank our community for their understanding as we continue to deliver a show that represents the best of agriculture, education and rural life. No further comments will be made at this time.”
Two members of the Portman Hunt – Tom Lyle and Marcus Boundy – were found guilty in September 2024, while four men who attended a BSV Hunt – Conall McGrath, George Pierce, Andrew Osborne, and Freddie Osborne – were also convicted under the Hunting Act in April of this year.
Show “forced to face reality”
Pip Donovan, chair and founder of AAF, said she is happy that the show has been “forced to face reality” and hope both hunts will never appear at the show again.
She said: “We have been challenging the Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show over its hound displays for several years.
“We’ve organised protests, distributed leaflets in nearby towns, and attempted to engage with the organisers.
“A couple of years ago, we even booked a stall at the show, but it was cancelled after pro-hunting supporters issued threats against us.
“Throughout, we maintained that these hunts were breaking the law, but the show refused to acknowledge this.
“Now, with the recent convictions, the organisers have been forced to face reality. We are delighted that neither of these hunts will be displaying this year, and hope that they will never come back again.”
Reaction from readers
One New Blackmore Vale reader, John Holland, said, “Well done AAF for continuing to highlight this barbaric ‘sport’.
“Hunting is coming to an end. Showcasing the hunt gives a false image of this illegal practice, which is hiding behind the lie of trail hunting.”
However, another reader, Jon, said: “If you don’t like [it] don’t go. Plenty of other people will be enjoying themselves there.”
Fox hunting was banned in England and Wales in February 2005 following the implementation of the Hunting Act 2004.
Hunt groups have since taken part in trail hunting, which replicates traditional hunts without chasing or killing a live animal, but some groups have used this as a cover for fox hunting.
The Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show raises funds for the Gillingham & Shaftesbury Agricultural Society and will take place on August 13 and 14.
This is a very welcome move by the G&S show, but one should not forget that it is not only wildlife that is persecuted within the hunting community. The hounds too, while being displayed as endearing animals, lovingly cared for by the hunts, are rarely allowed to live to their natural age, being shot if they fail to perform to expectations. This was admitted by another local hunt, the Blackmore and Sparkford Vale, claiming that they cannot be rehomed. By contrast, bloodhound foxhound crosses as used by the Wessex Bloodhounds, a clean boot hunt that follows the scent of human runners, have a waiting list of adopters for their retiring hounds.
Police and the Government and most of the public are aware that Trail Hunting is Foxhunting, It is time to face facts and admit that anyone who support hunts in any way is support5ing illegal activity and cruelty.
The right thing to do. Time to stop glorifying hunting, It is cruel and illegal and has no place at any event.
How can any support or agree to the hunt attending . They have been prosecuted, found guilty of breaking law and it will happen again .
Pip Donovan , outstanding in the fight for our wildlife once again, you are truly amazing 🤩
To claim this is a legal rather than political decision, while selectively editing articles to appear biased, feels deeply contradictory — not unlike banning a countryside tradition at a countryside event.
A very disappointing and short-sighted move from a Show that enjoys the financial backing and tickets sales profits from many intrinsically linked to legal trail hunting. I suppose by the same merit, the next step would be to ban anyone who has a driving conviction or criminal record??
Except that:
– the BSV and Portman hunts are organised gang of law-breakers as evidenced by the recent prosecution of their members;
– there’s no evidence of bias. But the writer doesn’t agree with the facts, so there must be bias – the post-truth world in microcosm;
– the appeal to “tradition” is bogus and empty – how many other “traditions” are now unacceptable because they involved violence, abuse and cruelty;
– “legal trail hunting” is an oxymoron; “trail hunting” is a “smokescreen – their own description – to try and hide illegal fox hunting;
– yeah, breaking the law is fine, provided it’s a law I don’t agree with. Criminal records and their consequences exist for a purpose; to let people know that you’re a criminal who broke the law. Q. Don’t want a criminal record and the consequences? A. Don’t break the law.
Need more groups like AAF,more Hunts are thankfully being prosecuted.
Will I ever see the Total Ban on the vile Foxhunters in my lifetime,I am 76 !!!
Most people who live in the countryside oppose fox hunting. We know it goes on. It is illegal and cruel. The supporters often violently attack those who try to protect our wildlife. Apart from terrorising wildlife and making lots of noise and disturbing the peace, they are a public nuisance on the roads, blocking the highways with vehicles and allowing the hounds to run free in front of moving traffic, even on busy A roads. It is a barbaric and cruel activity and has no necessity. The hunts are imminently going to start “cubbing,” which is a cutsey word for murdering fox cubs. It would be so easy for the police to enforce the law but unfortunately and disappointingly, are completely ineffective.
“Trail hunting” is not a “divisive issue”, it is a smokescreen for illegal fox hunting.
It is extraordinary that two criminal organisations – the BSV and Portman hunts – were even considered for participation. But, well done to the G&S Show for finally doing the right thing.
And congratulations to Pip, Action Against Foxhunting and their supporters for making the G&S Show – eventually – see that we shouldn’t tolerate thugs, law-breakers and criminals who persecute our wildlife and who seek to intimidate people who challenge their disgusting activities.
Nothing to do with liking or disliking. I followed hounds at foot for many years pre 2004 and appreciate fully a pack working well. I have no wish to be involved in or support the charade that calls itself trail hunting which provides a smoke and mirrors cover for illegal activities.
A really short sighted decision. Does the AFF have any convicted members/ supporters ? For example what is their link with Dan Norris MP (currently under investigation for serious sexual allegations) and Ivor Caplin formerly MP (arrested in January after a Paedophile hunting sting).
Tedious whataboutery.
The point is that the hunts in question do have convicted members; members convicted of illegal fox hunting; members convicted of setting a pack of hounds onto a living animal.
And these gangs of thugs and law-breakers thought that they’d “parade” the very hounds which they’d used to break the law.
I refused to attend Gillingham show because the BSV & Portman hunts were going to parade their hounds, despite their convictions relating to fox hunting. I also worry that those hounds are not well cared for, they are often found on roads (why lay trails on roads). Why do those that exercise the hounds carry large whips?
The show will be a better one without these law breakers