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Shocking video footage appears to show a fox being killed after being chased by around 20 dogs.

Police are investigating the incident after footage, taken by West Midlands Hunt Saboteurs, posted online shows members of the Atherstone Hunt on horseback.

As the hounds surround something, a member of the hunt appears to reach down and pull the lifeless body of the animal from underneath the pack and sling it over the back of a colleague’s horse.

But the Atherstone Hunt group claim they were acting within the law and an "injured fox appeared in front of the hounds who very quickly dispatched it."

The group then ride away with the limp body of the fox clearly visible, reports the Coventry Telegraph.

It is understood the footage was shot at about 3pm on Saturday and the hunt was on land which forms part of Fields Farm, in Grendon, near Atherstone.

A spokesman for West Midlands Hunt Saboteurs said: “The Atherstone Hunt killed a fox.

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"Sabs saw the fox being chased closely by hounds, it stopped and looked to its left and then to its right and saw there was no escape.

“There were hounds either side of it, they caught it, dragged it to the floor and killed it.

(Image: Coventry Telegraph)

"The rest of the pack were trying to get at it.”

The group has also posted several other videos in recent weeks which appear to show Atherstone Hunt members chasing live foxes, although the animals seem to get away in previous videos.

The spokesman added: “It’s shocking, distressing and absolutely horrific.

"We have been submitting footage for weeks showing they’re hunting and nothing was being done - this was inevitable.

“It has been reported to Warwickshire Police and they need to take action. This is not just a one off.

“I have no doubt the hunt will say it is an accident, but it can’t be an accident if it’s happening every week.

"They are blatantly hunting.”

Since 2005, it has been illegal to hunt foxes with dogs.

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The maximum penalty is a £5,000 fine while police can also confiscate and destroy equipment and dogs used in hunting.

Individuals who refuse to comply with confiscation orders or fines issued could face further punishment, including a prison sentence.

Warwickshire Police said the force was investigating footage from the hunt saboteurs.

A spokesman said: “In response to posts regarding the Atherstone Hunt we can confirm that, as a result of allegations made at the scene, we are collating and reviewing evidence and will positively deal with any offences identified.

“Please contact the Wildlife Crime Officer at North Warwickshire Safer Neighbourhood Team on 101 extension 3605 to report any further offences.”

A statement from Atherstone Hunt said: “The Atherstone Hunt were out on Saturday, November 14 hunting within the law hunting trails and hound exercising.

“Unfortunately whilst riding across an open field between trails, what we strongly suspect was an injured fox appeared in front of the Hunt within yards of the hounds who very quickly dispatched it.

“The incident was immediately reported to Warwickshire Police.”