Kennel huntsman fined after hunting wild mammal with dogs

Phillip Kennedy, of Stowe in Buckinghamshire, had been charged under the Hunting Act 2004.

This was following the incident which took place on the afternoon of November 13, 2025, say Thames Valley Police.

A member of the public captured drone footage of the Stowe Beagles’ hounds killing a hare.

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This was across land belonging to Crockwell Farm in the West Northamptonshire village of Eydon, just over the border with Oxfordshire.

The footage showed the pack chasing the European brown hare across the open field towards a far fence, where the defenceless mammal was attacked and killed.

After the kill, Kennedy was seen standing next to the pack of hounds and shaking hands with other members of the party.

This was instead of retrieving the hare from the beagles, which continued to attack the dead mammal, say Thames Valley Police.

Following an investigation by Northamptonshire Police’s Rural Crime Team, the 48-year-old went on to be charged.

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This was with one count of hunting a wild mammal with dogs, which carries a maximum sentence of £5,000.

On June 4, at Northampton Magistrates’ Court, Kennedy pleaded guilty to the charge, reports Thames Valley Police.

He was subsequently fined £258 and ordered to pay £585 court costs and a £103 victim surcharge.

PC Chloe Gillies, of Northamptonshire Police Rural Crime Team, who led the investigation, issued a statement today (Wednesday, June 10).

She said: “As the kennel huntsman of Stowe Beagles, Phillip Kennedy knew that allowing his dogs to chase and kill a hare was cruel and illegal.

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“Even after the hare was dead, Kennedy and the rest of the group stood and shook hands in a congratulatory manner instead of stepping in to stop the dogs from continuing to attack the hare.

“We take all reports of crime against wildlife seriously, and I would like to extend my thanks to the witness who provided evidence in this case, as it shows the importance of reporting any alleged breaches of the Hunting Act 2004.”

Residents are urged to report suspicious activity and non-emergency crime by calling 101 or going online at www.northants.police.uk/RO.

In an emergency where a crime is in progress or life is at risk, Thames Valley Police has advised to always call 999.

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The Hunting Act 2004 is the law that bans hunting wild mammals with dogs in England and Wales, and also outlaws organised hare coursing events.

It received Royal Assent on November 18, 2004 and came into force on February 18, 2005, following years of intense political debate and campaigning over fox hunting and other forms of mounted or foot hunting with hounds.

The Act makes it a criminal offence to hunt a wild mammal with a dog unless the activity falls within a narrow list of exemptions, such as certain forms of pest control or falconry, and gives the courts powers to impose fines and confiscate dogs or equipment used in illegal hunts.