Major Patrick Darling has recently taken over as Chairman of the South Herefordshire Hunt in Wormelow.

Major Darling is a former High Sheriff of Herefordshire, who farms the Caradoc Estate at Sellack, near Ross-on-Wye. He is a church warden at St Tysilios at Sellack and a keen huntsman.

In June 2016, the BBC released film footage which appeared to show fox cubs being put into the kennels of hunting hounds at the South Herefordshire Hunt. West Mercia Police confirmed that they were conducting an investigation into the alleged incident, which still remains ongoing.

Police have arrested five people on suspicion of animal cruelty. They are a 37-year-old man and a 27-year-old woman, both from Hereford, a 37-year-old man and a 53-year-old woman, both from Abergavenny, and a 45-year-old man from Powys. All five have been released on police bail until May.

Major Darling told the Ross Gazette: “You will all be aware of the allegations made against certain individuals associated with the hunt last May. You will also be well aware that no statement was put out by the hunt at the time. Whilst it is not news at present, I should like to make it clear that our position on the matter is as follows:

“The South Herefordshire Hunt has, at its own instigation, resolved to place itself in voluntary suspension. Arrangements have been made for other local packs to conduct legal trail-hunting and horse and hound exercise within the South Herefordshire Hunt’s area.”

He continued: “The decision follows the appalling events alleged to have taken place at the South Herefordshire kennels. Whilst these events are the subject of an ongoing police investigation, the South Herefordshire Hunt wishes to emphasise that it condemns absolutely the alleged conduct and that those implicated are no longer employed by the hunt or play any part in its activities.

“The hunt deeply regrets the damage that such actions have had on the reputation of the hunting community. The hunt wishes to state that such acts as are alleged have never been considered normal, usual or acceptable in hunting circles now or indeed in hunting history.”