Recent figures have shown both the scale of fox hunting still taking place and the havoc that the hunts wreak on people and communities in Somerset.

The figures show Somerset is in the top five of the worst affected counties in Britain, according to the animal welfare charity League Against Cruel Sports.

According to the figures, there were 22 reports of either suspected illegal hunting or hunt havoc in Somerset between November 1 and December 7 this year.

The figures have been released to coincide with the Boxing Day fox hunt parades which has been dubbed the biggest day in the hunting calendar.

League Against Cruel Sports says the figures show the negative impact foxing has on wildlife, rural communities and people’s lives.

Head of campaigns and communications at League Against Cruel Sports, Emma Judd, said: “People will see the hunts out today in Somerset and not know that behind the finery is a so-called sport that sees public lives endangered on roads, livestock worried by out-of-control hounds, and in some cases, domestic pets killed.

“Our figures released today evidence the negative impact hunting has on rural communities and show clearly that it is time for change. Only by strengthening the law on hunting can communities, wildlife and rural values be protected.”

The worst offenders nationally were the Blackmore and Sparkford Vale Hunt based on the Somerset/Dorset border who featured in 12 incidents of suspected illegal hunting and 12 incidents of hunt havoc.

The counties with the highest combined totals of suspected illegal hunting and hunt havoc were Dorset (39), Yorkshire (30), Somerset (22), Warwickshire (21) and Gloucestershire (19). Emma added: “The bloodthirsty and shameful ‘sport’ of fox hunting is massively unpopular with the Somerset electorate who want to see hunting laws strengthened, and it’s time the Government came on board with public opinion.”