William Bryer, 49, a master huntsman, and his assistant Mitch Prosser, 28, have appeared in court denying charges of hunting a fox on the Badminton Estate, owned by the Duke of Beaufort. The incident, which took place on 20 December last year, involved a fox being pursued and killed by hounds during a Beaufort Hunt event.
Bristol Magistrates’ Court also heard that Anthony Tuck, 51, is charged with encouraging the offence by retrieving and assisting with the disposal of the fox carcass. All three men, from the Gloucestershire area, will stand trial over two days at Bristol Magistrates’ Court on 21 and 22 April next year.
During a hearing on Wednesday, the defendants, who were not required to attend, entered not guilty pleas through their defence lawyer, Stephen Welford. Prosecuting barrister Michael Collins explained that Bryer, as master huntsman, and Prosser, the whipper-in, were responsible for controlling the hounds and allegedly failed to call them off, leading to the fox being hunted and killed.
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Speaking publicly on Boxing Day, six days after the alleged incident, Bryer addressed a large crowd on the Badminton Estate, highlighting concerns regarding Government plans to ban trail hunting. He described the countryside as being “under assault and siege” and urged those present to stand united for the preservation of British cultural heritage and hunting traditions.
“Hunting has a future, hunting will endure,” Bryer affirmed, referencing the 1980s song “Don’t Stop Believing” as a rallying call to supporters.
The forthcoming trial will address the charges related to the December event, marking a significant moment in the ongoing debate surrounding hunting practices in the UK.