Hunts asked to miss show parade after convictions

The agricultural society said the hound parade would go ahead (library photo)

Two Dorset hunts have been asked not to participate in an annual parade of hounds at an agricultural show after the convictions of six people for illegal fox hunting.

Gillingham and Shaftesbury Agricultural Society said it asked the Blackmore & Sparkford Vale Hunt and the Portman Hunt to sit out this year's show on 13 and 14 August.

It comes after the convictions of four men linked with the Blackmore and Sparkford Vale Hunt in April and two from the Portman Hunt in September 2024.

The agricultural society said the request did not reflect a shift in its values and was not a "commentary on legal hunting activity".

The annual show, at the Turnpike Showground in Motcombe, is a celebration of rural life and includes a 20-minute parade of hounds.

Organisers said the parade, which offers a "glimpse into a longstanding countryside tradition" would go ahead.

A statement said: "We understand that trail hunting remains a divisive issue.

"This decision does not reflect a shift in the society's values, nor is it a commentary on legal hunting activity.

"Rather, it is a response to recent legal convictions and our responsibility to maintain the reputation and charitable aims of the show."

As well as the parade of hounds, the show will feature medieval jousting, motorcycle stunt riders, livestock parades, show jumping, terrier racing and steam vehicles.