Animal groups forced to care for ‘lost’ hunting dogs

Concerned animal welfare groups are being left to take care of ‘lost’ beagles and lurchers which had been part of either a legal hunt or, in some cases, poaching teams.

Some of the dogs abused by poaching teams are used for illegal badger baiting.

The dogs are finding their way to nearby towns and villages and, according to the rescue groups, can be difficult to re-home, especially at this time of year when charities are full with unwanted Christmas pets.