Exposing those responsible for wildlife crime remains at the heart of what we do. Investigations are crucial in exposing and documenting the extent to which wildlife is still persecuted across Britain. Keep The Ban is proud to work in partnership with HIT (Hunt Investigation Team), providing funding for their ground-breaking investigations into illegal wildlife crime.
HIT are a highly specialist team with years of experience fighting animal abuse and hunting. HIT are committed to exposing the truth behind fox hunting, other cruel sports, and wildlife crime.
In the last 9 months alone our work with HIT has exposed the shooting of hounds, the illegal use of terriermen, and illegal raptor persecution. You can read more about these below.
Duke Of Beaufort Hunt Shoots Dead Four Hounds.
In October 2021 undercover footage was released showing the Duke of Beaufort Hunt shooting dead four of their hounds.
The shocking videos were acquired through a covert operation in which cameras were hidden within the kennels of what is one of the oldest and most prestigious hunts in the country. In the sickening footage, members of the hunt can be seen firing bullets into four hounds.
Vale of White Horse Hunt exposed deliberately and intentionally hunting a fox.
On January 5th 2022 a new undercover investigation was released which saw the Vale of White Horse Hunt deliberately and intentionally hunting a fox.
The VWH member and land-owner can be seen visibly shouting and identifying the fox to the hunt so that the mammal can be hunted. She ensures the fox is unable to seek safety in the barn and she states how she ‘turned him’ before describing the whereabouts of the animal to a senior member of the VWH Hunt.
Raptor Persecution on the Hilborough Estate
In April 2022 HIT acted upon reports of illegal trapping on the Hilborough Estate. Covert cameras were installed by the team. Within days, a juvenile male goshawk was lured into one of the traps. As would be expected, he predated one of the bait pigeons but then remained caught in the trap himself.
The goshawk was removed from the trap and not immediately released - which any legal trap operator would be required to do. His fate is unknown but he is presumed dead.
We’re just getting started...
The work of the Hunt Investigation Team is invaluable in our efforts to finally consign hunting and other barbaric activities to the history books. Not only does the work of HIT allow us to educate the public about what is actually happening in the British countryside, but we are able to work with the Hunt Investigation Team to use their evidence for prosecutions and to support efforts to enforce stricter legislation regarding wildlife crimes and animal welfare issues.
If you would like to help fund future investigations please donate below.