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Hunt hounds kill family’s pet cat
View of tthe property in Stoupe Brow. . 114950b Picture Richard Ponter
A COUPLE have been devastated after hounds from the Goathland Hunt savaged and killed their cat.
Elderly tabby Moppet, aged 18, was outside her home in Stoupe Brow, near Ravenscar, when 27 hunting dogs bounded onto land belonging to her owners Les and Margaret Atkinson.
The dogs brutally attacked the cat before a huntsman picked up a lifeless and bloodied Moppet and rode away.
Hours later members of the hunt, which was a joint expedition between Goathland and Staintondale parties held earlier this month, were confronted by the Atkinsons – and it was admitted that Moppet had been killed.
Moppet’s body was returned to the Atkinsons by members of the hunt two days after she was killed and she has now been buried. A younger cat belonging to the Atkinsons, George, escaped the dogs by hiding in a stable.
Mr Atkinson said: “We just heard a commotion outside and saw the hounds and a huntsman off his horse. He just kept saying ‘I’m sorry.’ Then he got back on his horse and he rode off.”
The couple then searched in vain for Moppet, with splashes of blood on the ground being the only trace of their beloved pet.
When two huntsmen passed a few hours later, the Atkinsons asked whether they knew what had happened.
Mrs Atkinson said: “I just said I think your hounds have killed my cat. They went to find out and came back. They said the dogs had killed her but that it had been an accident.
“It was horrific. She didn’t stand a chance. She was an old lady and it was not the way for an innocent animal to meet her end.
“I can’t bear the thought that in her last few moments she was in terror. She didn’t deserve to die like that.”
She added: “Moppet was a big part of the family. We bought her the year my daughter went to secondary school. She’s a 30-year-old teacher now and is married. She was devastated when we told her.”
Mr Atkinson said: “To be honest, we’ve spent a lot of time crying. She would curl up on our knees every night and would wake us up in the morning. I’m retired, so I would spend hours talking to her.
“I had to take photos of her for the police which was a bit harrowing. You could see the bite marks.”
Members of the hunt are allowed to pass through a bridle track on the Atkinsons’ land legally.
In future the couple will be given advance warnings of any hunts.
Bill Dobson, chairman of the Goathland hunt, said Moppet’s death had been “regrettable”.
He added: “We always try to control the hounds and normally they are very well behaved.”
Jean Clemmit, Staintondale hunt master, wasn’t there at the time and as soon as she learned what happened went to see the Atkinsons.
She added: “It’s very regrettable and upsetting for everybody but we can’t undo what has happened. I haven’t been involved in anything like this before. We will take preventative measures.”
Scarborough RSPCA officer Geoff Edmond said he was “very concerned” after learning of the incident.
The incident was reported to the police who say they are investigating the incident to see if further action needs to be taken.
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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Comments
There are 2 comments to this article
Page 1 of 1
Cuvin
Wednesday, December 21, 2011 at 10:44 AMForgive me if I am wrong but dident a law come into force in February 2005 outlawing all forms of hunting with dogs. ? If these "hooray henrys" are flouting the law, and according to various preasure groups - they are, then surely the police must act. If not then clearly this is a green light for anyone to go around breaking any law of the land they so choose.
Cassandra Adriana
Friday, December 16, 2011 at 10:30 PMThis is terrible!!!! The worst way to loose your beloved pet.:-(( I can only wish the Atkinson family strenght in their loss and hope this will never ever happen to anybody else.
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