Gamekeeper died in Derby court

I've taken poison, said man who died in court A GAMEKEEPER convicted of firearms offences died after taking poison which he smuggled into court in his sock. An inquest into the death of Graham Key heard how he was not searched by a custody officer before entering the dock at Derby Crown Court, despite it …

30 injured greyhounds put down at dog track

More than 30 injured greyhounds were put down at Belle Vue (Manchester) race track last year, according to new figures. Animal rights groups say they believe the figures only scratch the surface and that further deaths occur because of races at the Gorton stadium. But a leading dog owner has defended the sport’s safety record, …

A Minority Pastime – a must watch film

When Slad Valley resident Nisa Ward witnessed a deer torn apart by out-of-control hunting hounds her life changed forever. As a child lost in the woods of a grim fairy tale she unearths a shocking world of cruelty, violence and fear. This film follows her journey of discovery as she tries to understand why the …

Decapitated dog found by walker

A beheaded dog was dumped in a suitcase yards from homes amid claims that it had been made to fight to the death. Dog walkers made the gruesome discovery after smelling a foul stench coming from a suitcase in woods close to Dunoon Close, in Ingol, Preston. Using a stick, they opened the case, which …

Pair guilty of hare coursing charges

TWO land owners have been found guilty of hare coursing following a two-day trial during which the effectiveness of the Hunting Act was questioned. Former racehorse trainer Peter Easterby, 79, and Major John Shaw, 56, were convicted at Scarborough Magistrates' Court of attending and allowing their land to be used for hare coursing events in …

Teressa Groenewald-Hagerman poses over magnificent elephant

A woman hunter clutches a bow and grins as she poses next to the body of an elephant she has killed with a single arrow. In a scene that will sicken animal lovers and anti-hunting groups, proud Teressa Groenewald-Hagerman stands over her kill after becoming the first woman to kill an elephant in such a …

Date set for Clarissa Dickson-Wright hunt trial

A date has finally been set for the Scarborough trial of television chef Clarissa Dickson-Wright on hunting charges. Ms Dickson-Wright, of Midlothian in Scotland – who found fame as one half of the Two Fat Ladies – is accused of hunting hares with dogs and attending hare coursing events in March 2007. The offences are …

Anger as hunting dogs run into home

A VILLAGER is furious after two hunting hounds ran into his home during a meet, he claims. Frank Holcombe, 49, of The Crescent in Swayfield, says he was shocked at the actions of about 20 hounds running through the village on Thursday, las tweek At about 1.30pm Mr Holcombe was carrying out DIY to his …