A WINSFORD councillor has spoken out after a fox was killed at a trail hunt in Darnhall.

After reading reports on social media, Cllr Stephen Burns, Labour member for Winsford Swanlow and Dene on Cheshire West and Chester Council, reported the incident to police.

He said: “If there has been any criminal activity then I want it prosecuted – it would be no different to any other crime being committed. We don’t know if that was the case [at Darnhall] but if there has been a crime then it has to be dealt with.”

Cheshire Police is investigating two incidents of foxes being allegedly killed in trail hunts – one in Huxley on January 5, and one in Darnhall on January 8.

A spokesman for the Cheshire Hunt said: “The Cheshire Hunt operates within the law to comply with the Hunting Act 2004. An incident occurred on January 5. The police have been informed and we are assisting them with their enquiries so are unable to comment further at this time.”

Regarding the incident on January 8, the spokesman added: “The police are aware of any allegations and we are fully cooperating with their enquiries.”

The Labour Party has called for the law on hunting to be tightened in recent weeks, and Chris Matheson, Labour MP for Chester, is expected to raise the issue in Parliament on Thursday.

Nick Weston, head of campaigns at the League Against Cruel Sports, also said: “It is vital that the Hunting Act is strengthened so that those that continue to flout the ban can be brought to justice.”

Cheshire Police insists it ‘does not, and will not, take sides’ over hunting – but admitted that prosecuting incidents can prove challenging.

It said: “We will pursue with equal vigour those who engage in unlawful hunting, and other associated offences, and those who engage in illegal activity to prevent hunting.

"We are fully committed to investigate and, where evidence exists, to bring to justice any person found breaking the law.

"This is a complex piece of legislation and many facets need to be evidenced for the complete offence to be proved. This can be extremely challenging.

“We have found that often people are reluctant to engage with our investigation. Without the cooperation of those reporting an allegation of criminality it is almost impossible to secure a successful prosecution.

"Without statements and without evidence, it is incredibly difficult for action to be taken. Any video footage needs to be properly accounted for by the person who filmed it for it to be admissible in court.”