A decades-old tradition which saw a hunt parade through the centre of Wymondham has been banned by the town council which claims it celebrates an "outdated practice".
The Dunston Harriers, which has its own roots going back to 1830, meets at the market cross on Boxing Day, a practice which dates back to at least the 1960s.
But Wymondham Town Council has put a stop to the annual parade, with councillors saying that the group's trail hunting activities are "terrorising" animals.
The authority, which was previously controlled by the Conservatives, is now run by the Liberal Democrats. The council's sole Tory abstained from the vote, with all other members backing the ban.
However, some in the town have spoken in favour of the meet - which brings people into the town and helps businesses - and accused the councillors of prioritising their personal beliefs over the wishes of locals.
WHO ARE THE DUNSTON HARRIERS?
The Dunston Harriers are a trail hunting group - an activity that mimics traditional fox hunting with dogs but instead follows an artificial scent along a predetermined route.
However, critics claim it is sometimes a "smokescreen" for illegal practices and that the pack often pick up the scent of live animals, resulting in them being caught and killed.
The group was founded in 1830 and now has around 100 members who meet regularly between September and March.
The Dunston Harriers were subject to fierce criticism due to an incident two years ago that saw at least 20 of their hunting dogs killed on a level crossing in Great Moulton after the hounds strayed from the pack.
Three members of the group were cleared of hunting offences following a separate incident the same year, when hounds chased a wild hare on fields at Fersfield and were caught on camera by anti-hunt activists.
PARADE CONTROVERSY
The Boxing Day event is hosted annually by the Dunston Harriers in Wymondham town centre, and is usually attended by several thousand people.
The event has previously seen clashes between supporters and protestors, who have turned out with placards and shouted "shame on you" as the group paraded through the crowd.
READ MORE: Animal lover's appeal dismissed after fence deemed 'unacceptable'
Lucy Nixon, a member of the town council, said: "Some people believe that hunting with hounds is a rural tradition but I do not believe that this is a good enough justification.
"There are many practices in this country that we have realised are wrong as time goes on and they have been consigned to history. I'm fundamentally against what this group represents."
Suzanne Nuri-Nixon, chairwoman of the council and mayor of Wymondham, said: "Possibly for the first time ever local councillors have voted against this hunt meeting, which claims to benefit business and draw people into town.
"I’m proud that councillors showed our town is not prepared to host an event which has strong links to unlawfully terrorising wildlife under the guise of tradition and country pursuits."
"This outdated practice rightly belongs in the past. The world has moved on."
WHAT DO THE PEOPLE WANT?
However, the meet still has many supporters.
Robert Savage, who represents Wymondham at Norfolk County Council, said he remembered there being a hunt on Christmas or Boxing Day most years since the 1960s.
He said: "On each occasion I can recall the town centre being crowded with thousands of people who turned out to see this spectacle. This is a long-standing tradition that should be adhered to.
"The town council needs to consider that it is making this decision on behalf of the residents of Wymondham and not on their own personal opinions - however desirable that may be to them.
"They need to give the people of Wymondham what they have voted for with their feet by turning up on Boxing Day again and again."
Representatives from the hunting group declined to comment on the decision and it is unclear whether the parade will be held at another location.
READ MORE: 'It's a big win' - relief as campaigners drop legal action over car park
THE WYMONDHAM WETS
This is not the first time members of the council have been accused of giving too much prominence to their own feelings.
They were dubbed the 'Wymondham wets' earlier this year after agreeing to introduce a 'red card' system for members who are experiencing high levels of anxiety.
The measures will see councillors hold up cards to indicate they need to leave the room for mental health reasons, and allow them to exit to a specially-designated room next door.
Here, they will be provided with water and advice on 'grounding techniques', such as breathing exercises.
Critics said the measures were disproportionate and accused the council of being "fragile".
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel