I have been following hunts for 20 years to film the cruelty inflicted on Britain's wildlife, to help bring about a hunting ban. Friday (November 18) marks the first anniversary of the passing of the Hunting Act - a true victory for animal welfare.
Since the Act came into force earlier this year I have continued to monitor hunts to ensure the law is being obeyed. IFAW always works peacefully within the law to protect animals.
Many hunts have converted to legal activities such as drag hunting. Unfortunately, some hunts seem to think they are above the law and sooner or later they will be prosecuted.
It is important to remember that hunts are still allowed to ride out on horseback with dogs and to carry out certain other very limited activities. However, they are not allowed to chase deer, foxes, hares and mink with dogs.
I urge anyone who wants to help protect animals from the cruelty of hunting to call the police and tell them of any suspicious hunting incident you've witnessed, but please don't attempt to intervene.
