Hunt worker rapped by discipline hearing
A TERRIER man employed by the Cottesmore Hunt has had his licence withdrawn after he was filmed moving fox cubs.
Allegations were made on TV's Channel 4 News on June 28, when undercover film shot in March, of Dean Jones, who lives at the kennels in Ashwell, apparently introducing fox cubs into an earth was broadcast.
The Master of The Foxhounds Association (MFHA) disciplinary committee launched an inquiry and suspended four masters of the Cottesmore Hunt, a huntsman and Mr Jones.
Mr Jones, who admitted the offence, told the disciplinary committee that it was done in a 'moment of compassion'.
Neil Coleman, the huntsman, admitted Jones had told him of the matter later but he did not disclose this information to his employers.
Last Wednesday, the MFHA committee found the Joint Masters not guilty of misconduct under Rule 49, not guilty of any other rules and lifted their suspension.
They withdrew the terrier man's licence with the recommendation he should not be granted another licence for three years.
Alastair Jackson, director of MFHA said: "The committee was impressed with the Cottesmore Masters' methods, execution of staff training, records and protocol and was wholly satisfied at no time had the masters acted negligently or deliberately against MFHA rules."
The Masters of Cottesmore Hunt have started their own disciplinary proceedings against Mr Jones and Mr Coleman.
On Thursday they announced Neil Coleman, the huntsman, had been reinstated.
Discussions are being held about the future of Mr Jones, who is still employed by the hunt staff, but because of the ban can no longer be employed by them as a terrier man.
A Cottesmore Hunt spokes-man said: "The committee's recommendations have been noted and will be carried out.
"The hunt has a firm policy of operating entirely within the rules of the MFHA. Action was taken immediately this matter was drawn to our attention."
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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