The billionaire owner of H&M has banned hunting on his vast English estate after serious allegations were made against Vine and Craven Hunt.
Sweedish Stefan Persson, who owns Ramsbury Estates covering around 19,000 acres across Wiltshire, Berkshire and Hampshire, ‘stopped hunting with immediate effect’ this week.
Allegations of fox hunting, which was made illegal 15 years ago, were made against Vine and Craven Hunt after an event took place in the Littlecote House area last Saturday.
It’s illegal to hunt foxes with a pack of dogs, but you can use dogs to simulate hunting – for example by ‘drag’ or ‘trail’ hunting.
A spokesperson for the estate told ITV News that the hunt “have countered the allegations, but if proven the law will take its course”.
The Hunt Saboteurs Association said: “We’re delighted that Ramsbury estate have stopped any hunting with immediate effect but we’re even more delighted at how quick they were to take this action.
“It shows that land owners are desperate not to become embroiled in the police investigation and public outcry that’s engulfing the hunting community.
“Finally 15 years after the Hunting Act the tide is finally turning and hunts are fighting for their very existence.
“Well done to Reading Hunt sabs for bringing Ramsbury estate to public attention. We look forward to many other large estates denying access to the hunts.”
