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Tension between hunt saboteurs and huntsmen rising

Police in Devon and Cornwall say tensions have risen between animal rights groups and local hunts recently.

A man in his 40's sustained facial injuries and was taken to hospital following an incident in South Devon at the weekend. He claimed he was attacked and injured whilst protesting near Kingsbridge.

Hunting a fox with hounds was banned under Labours 2004 act but the West Country remains a thriving centre for the sport. However, anit-hunt protesters claim trail hunting is a cover for illegal hunting. 

Officers are reassuring people that allegations connected with hunts are assessed and investigated. They say although incidents appear on social media, they still remain under reported to the police. 

The police said: "All allegations connected with hunts are assessed and investigated appropriately. It is clear that while thesis incidents can and do appear on social media, they still remain under reported to the police.

"We would encourage witnesses to any offences to share with us unedited footage and images, and be prepared to give statements."

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