A HUNT master has made another apology after hounds ran out of control for the second time in recent weeks.

Complaints have been made to the Blackmore and Sparkford Vale Hunt after hounds ran through gardens and private fields in Wonston near Hazelbury Bryan last Tuesday.

As previously reported, the hunt received complaints after hounds ran through residential roads in Marnhull on New Year's Eve.

Rupert Emerson, who runs Orchard Farmhouse organic B&B in Wonston with his partner Sarah Cousins, explained that he had notified the hunt that he didn't want hounds in his paddocks, which are managed for wildlife and as a community garden. In spite of reassurances from the hunt, hounds have strayed onto Mr Emerson's land on several occasions, including last week.

Mr Emerson said he was particularly concerned as he had recently put a ram to his Portland ewes and it is likely that the animals were pregnant.

"I was in my office when I saw hounds in our garden. Sarah ran out and saw a lot more going across the paddocks – there appeared to be no attempt to control them," he said.

"The sheep were visibly distressed and were still nervous when we went to feed them the next day."

Mr Emerson said he was particularly disappointed as he asked the hunt to stay off his land when he first moved to the area. He contacted hunt officials again and received an apology and compensation after his hedges were damaged by the hunt last year.

"They knew very well that we didn't want them on our land yet they have disrupted our business, disrupted the community garden and caused distress to us and our sheep.

"We are not trying to stop the hunt, we are just asking that they keep off our land," Mr Emerson added.

Michael Felton, joint master of the Blackmore and Sparkford Vale Hunt, apologised for last week's disruption. He said he wasn't riding with the hunt, which was out with around 34 hounds, last Tuesday but was aware of the incident.

"We would not deliberately go onto ground where people don't want us – we endeavour to make every effort to stop this from happening. Unfortunately, there are times when the hounds deviate onto live quarry or when wind shifts the trail," Mr Felton said.

"The hunt is making an extra effort to ensure this doesn't happen again. Our trail layers have been told in words of one syllable."

Mathew Manning

mmanning@bvmedia.co.uk