Footage filmed on New Years Day when the hunt met at Moreton, Oxfordshire

It shows the hunters using draining rods to force the fox out of a drainage pipe

A man pulls the fox from the hole by its hind legs and releases it into the wood

Only a few minutes pass before the hounds come into view hunting the fox

Shocking footage released by animal rights activists shows hunt members dragging a captured fox from a hole to be hunted by hounds.

The video, shot using two cameras on New Year's Day, in Moreton, Oxfordshire, shows members of the Kimblewick Hunt trying to force a fox from a drainage pipe, before being thrown into the woods for the dogs to hunt.

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The men, known as terriermen, can be seen in the footage discussing which way they want the fox released and taking a look at it underground.

The man who was constructing the piping then shoves it into the ground to force the fox towards another man who grabs the fox by the hind legs and pulls it from the hole (pictured), before releasing it into the forest

It is trapped using artificial earths, which often consist of two tunnels, often consisting of pipes, and a chamber underground, concealed by grass to disguise the purpose.

They were regularly used to ensure hunters have foxes to kill, prior to the hunting ban in 2004.

One of the men then says 'he wants it gone as soon as possible Ian', presumably referring to the fox.

A man starts assembling piping, which is used to flush the fox out, while the other takes instructions on the phone.

After hanging up the phone, shouts of 'hold hard' can be heard in the background.

The man who was constructing the piping then shoves it into the ground to force the fox towards another man who grabs the fox by the hind legs and pulls it from the hole, before releasing it into the forest.

A few minutes pass before a number of dogs come into view, sniffing and searching for the fox

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A few minutes pass before a number of dogs come into view, sniffing and searching for the fox.

Lee Moon, spokesman for the Hunt Saboteurs Association, stated: 'Incidents like this prove time and again that hunts throughout the UK are still totally focused on hunting and killing live animals.

'In recent years the South Herefordshire, the Middleton, the Pytchley, the Belvoir and now the Kimblewick have all been implicated in keeping captive foxes to hunt, showing that this behaviour is commonplace amongst hunts.'

After viewing the video Chris Williamson, Labour MP for Derby North, and a former hunt saboteur, said: 'Hunts up and down the country are routinely flouting the hunting ban.

'This arrogant disregard for the law of the land can only be stopped if the loopholes in the legislation are removed.

'That is why Labour have recently pledged to strengthen the Hunting Act and ghastly incidents like this underpins that commitment.

'Tougher penalties are essential, including prison sentences for persistent offenders, if we are to deliver the wildlife protection that parliament voted for over 14 years ago.'

The Kimblewick Hunt covers parts of Bedfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hampshire, Hertfordshire and Oxfordshire.

A spokesman from the Countryside Alliance said: 'All hunts should be operating within the law.

'There are exemptions to the Hunting Act, and other legal options, which can be used to cull foxes and most hunts still offer a fox control service. However unjustified the Hunting Act is it should be adhered to.'

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A spokesperson on behalf of the MFHA said: 'The Masters of Foxhounds Association has strict disciplinary procedures and will fully investigate any credible allegation relating to Masters, hunt employees or hunts.

'It cannot, however, investigate criminal allegations or take any action that would interfere with or impede a possible police investigation.'

A spokesman for the RSPCA said: 'We would encourage those who recorded it to contact the police and work with them.'

The video was released by the Hunt Saboteurs Association.