Would you holiday with a stag hunt?
What images do Devon and Somerset evoke? The beautiful rolling hills, gorgeous sandy beaches, dramatic landscapes. What about murder or organised crime? This is exactly what’s happening right under our noses each time one of the three remaining stag hound packs take to the countryside. Between the months of August and April hunts force deer to participate in barbaric chases for their entertainment, before shooting them dead. People on quads can be seen tearing down country lanes armed with guns as they inflict cruel abuse upon the gentle deer that live there.
Not only is this a severe level of animal cruelty but the loopholes within the Hunting with Dogs Act, enables them to hunt illegally under the shroud of exemptions. For too long these people have been getting away with animal cruelty and law breaking. Now is the time for organisations to get off the fence and start doing something about these heinous crimes. In a recent survey conducted by AAS revealed that 63% of tourists would not visit Exmoor or the Quantocks because of the prescence of stag hunting. This is a number that will majorly impact local businesses and will hit the tourism industry hard. Are we really expecting the people of Devon and Somerset to lose their livelihoods and suffer so that an entitled minority can continue their trophy hunting?
We ask you to express your opinions to the local tourist boards, who advertise these areas as safe and tranquil. failing to mention the danger to the public that hunts pose. Let them know how disgusted you are that this abhorrent abuse is taking place. How they should be protecting visitors and local traders, not shying away and hoping this problem will go away. The problem is prominent and it will only get worse as more and more people become aware of stag hunting. The contact details for Visit Devon and Visit Exmoor are below and we have provided you with some templates you may use or refer to as guidelines if you wish. All we do ask is that you air your concerns in a polite manner. We understand this topic can evoke strong emotions, however we must be clear and concise in our correspondence if we wish to make a difference.
Visit Devon:info@visitdevon.co.uk
Visit Somerset: info@visitsomerset.co.uk
If you have further information or would like to discuss any aspect of this campaign then please email campaigns@actionagainststaghunting.org