Northamptonshire Huntsman Admits Hounds Hunted Hare

A Northamptonshire huntsman has admitted that the hounds under his control were used to hunt and kill a hare.

Philip Saunders, 45, of Irchester, admitted an offence of non-exempt hunting of a wild mammal with dogs during his trial at Northampton Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, 17th February 2026.

This is an offence under section 1 of the Hunting Act 2004. It has a maximum sentence of an unlimited fine on summary conviction.

Saunders was on trial with co-accused Rachael Lenton, 42, of Raunds and Pipewell Foot Beagles Limited. Both Lenton and the company were cleared of the offence.

After a bit of last minute horse-trading between the parties, District Judge Amar Mehta was informed that Saunders would like to change his plea to one of guilty.

Neil Sands, prosecuting, said: "It is accepted by Saunders that he was involved in the hunting of a protected animal.

"It is clear that the hounds were in that field and that he said 'get on it, get after it' – they are unambiguous statements. He was ordering the hounds to attack the hare.

"He now accepts that that dogs were under his supervision."

In what can only be described as a non-standard application, Mr Sands requested the destruction of Saunders' hunting horn.

He said: "The Crown seeks forfeiture of the hunting horn. That might seem a petty action but that instrument was used in the demise of the protected animal - a hare.

"The hunting community should understand there are consequences to their actions."

Saunders was fined £1,000 and ordered to pay £3,600 costs and £500 surcharge.

Turning to ancillaries orders, DJ Mehta added: "I order the destruction of the hunting horn involved in this offence.

"Mr Saunders you must surrender it to the police by 5pm on 19th February."

As mentioned in my earlier article, the court has wide ranging powers to order the deprivation of any item used to facilitate the commission of an offence, which would include the hunting horn in this case.

The court can make a deprivation order of its own initiative. It is a power often used to deprive thieves of their tools, but is pretty unusual in circumstances like this.

A few pro-hunting commentators have criticised this order as being a bit on the petty side.

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