CONVICTED (2023) ex-Wynnstay Hunt employee Christopher J Woodward, born 20 November 1984, previously of Ruabon, Wrexham, but now of Huntsman House, The Kennels, South Lawn, Swinbrook, Burford OX18 4FH – caught interfering with a badger sett.

On 3 February 2023, huntsman Christopher Woodward and a second Wynnstay Hunt employee identified as whipper-in Charlie Young were caught red-handed blocking the badger sett near Whitchurch, North Wales, in preparation for the following day’s hunting in the area.

Hunt saboteurs confronted the pair, who fled the scene. .

North Wales Police launched an investigation which led to the prosecution of Woodward, who is now employed by the Heythrop Hunt, based in Banbury, West Oxfordshire,

According to the Hunt Saboteurs Association (HSA) Woodward and Young were caught three weeks earlier blocking the same badger sett.

The purpose of this cruel practice, which can cause badgers to suffocate, is to force foxes above ground so that they can be illegally hunted.

Following Woodward’s conviction an HSA spokesperson said: “The blocking of badger setts is routine practice by fox hunts across the country.

“Not only is such behaviour illegal under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992, it provides obvious evidence of the intent to/commit offences under the Hunting Act.

“The fact that this seedy pair were caught on film at the same badger sett only weeks earlier beggars belief and provides further compelling evidence of the habitual nature of such offences.”

Woodward is due to appear in court again in October 2023 to face charges in relation to breaches of the Hunting Act.

Sentencing | £500 fine plus £200 victim surcharge and £85 costs. The fine takes into account his guilty plea and income and is to be paid within 28 days.

Hunt Saboteurs Association