Foxhunting continuing?
Police in Cockermouth and Keswick are investigating reports of illegal foxhunting taking place in the area.
Inspector Martin Connolly said inquiries were taking place into "several reports" of illegal hunts.
He said complaints had been received recently from various sources and he had appointed hunt liaison officers to look into them.
Those officers will look at possible offences being committed under the Hunting Act 2004 – hunting a wild mammal with a dog, permitting a dog to be used for such an offence, or permitting land to be used for hunting a wild mammal with a dog.
Landowners are being approached by the police to canvass opinion about hunt activity.
Insp Connolly said the issue of hunting was a contentious one, but allegations of illegal hunt activity "must be investigated".
Some of the inquiries are thought to centre on one of the north's oldest established and most famous fell foot packs, the Blencathra Foxhounds. The John Peel Pack, as it is often known, claims on its own website that its stated aim is "to provide a day's activity on the fells for all our supporters whilst operating within the law".
This week marked the third anniversary of the Hunting Act but anti-hunting campaigners claim illegal hunts are still taking place on a regular basis within areas like Cumbria.
Barry Hugill, a spokesman for the League Against Cruel Sports, welcomed the news that police in Cumbria were investigating complaints.
Mr Hugill said: "We are pleased that the police are investigating. The major question is one of identification because you can't bring charges against a hunt, it has to be an individual."
The League's chief executive Douglas Batchelor this week issued a warning to hunts who, he alleged, were riding roughshod over the Act.
Mr Batchelor said: "It is only a matter of time before the minority who illegally chase and kill animals for pleasure will be brought to justice."
Ironically the Blencathra claims that, since the ban, the activity has become more popular with an increase in the number of followers.
The secretary of the Blencathra hunt, Bob Fell, said: "We go out three times a week drag hunting within the law and we do our utmost to keep within the law."
Anti-hunt groups have closely monitored the activities of the Blencathra Foxhounds and filmed the hunt in action in the Newlands Valley near Keswick.
Hunt supporters say they will continue in their activities as long as possible in the hope that the Hunting Act is eventually repealed.
North West Hunt Saboteurs Association
PO Box 239
Manchester
M14 7XB
07960 038230
Direct Action Against All Forms of bloodsports