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.
Christopher Woodward is now employed by the Heythrop Hunt
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.
Woodward’s alleged accomplice Charlie Young. It’s not known if he also faced charges
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.
CONVICTED (2017) | Jemma Bloom (née Jemma Sero), born 25 May 1985, and husband Barney William Bloom (known as Billy Bloom), born 2 May 1980 of Mirfield Road, Witney OX28 5BA – left their pet dog to starve in a squalid outhouse
Dog killers: Billy and Jemma Bloom now of Witney, Oxfordshire
The pair, then of Hudson Street, Bicester, admitted starving and failing to look after their crossbreed dog Hooch, who was later put to sleep by a vet following his ordeal.
Hooch was found without food and water in a squalid outhouse at the couple’s home after the police contacted the animal welfare charity with concerns for the dog’s wellbeing.
Hooch
RSPCA Inspector Lauren Bailey, who investigated the case, said: “When I first saw Hooch he was at the police station and I was moved by how loving he was.
“He was so skinny, dirty, and neglected but had so much time for everyone he met.
“It was heart-breaking to see a dog that had not been shown any love himself still offer love unconditionally to others.
“He had sadly been left without food and water in a dirty outhouse. He was very underweight with all his ribs showing.
“When I carried out the interviews they admitted he wasn’t cared for and said he was only occasionally fed leftover pasta.
“The neglect suffered by Hooch could have been easily avoided but he was simply left to suffer without the care he needed and deserved.
“We encourage people who can no longer cope with caring for their pets to contact us for help and advice to avoid unnecessary distress and suffering being caused.”
Hooch initially recovered from his mistreatment while in the care of the RSPCA and managed to regain some weight but had to be put to sleep because of medical issues.
Sentencing: Barney Bloom – 12 weeks in jail. Jemma Bloom – eight weeks in jail suspended for 12 months; community order with one-month home curfew. Both were disqualified from keeping dogs for 10 years (expires July 2027).
