A DOGWALKER was left concerned for the welfare of their pet after a large, unruly pack of foxhounds - described as 'dangerously out of control' - ran rampant towards them.
The local resident, who wishes to remain anonymous, was out walking with their one-year-old dog in West Cumbria's Lamplugh when they noticed a fox darting across the field in front of them.
"I seen a fox running across the field, I thought it was strange my dog wasn't running after it but this time my dog stuck with me, so she must have smelled or heard the pack before they appeared.
"My dog is half the size of those dogs, four of the dogs came running towards us, trying to go for my dog.
"I had to throw my dog over the fence whilst they were trying to get to her," they said.
The resident also claimed they noticed what appeared to be another dog running past with a cat in its mouth.
"It was reckless to the safety of the public and to their property. The dogs were dangerously out of control.
"I think the owners of the hounds are completely irresponsible. I have no problems with an organised hunt but when its just releasing dogs into a small hamlet, disorganised, it's a different story," they said.
The dogwalker indicated that the local community are aware of this but may be turning a 'blind eye to the situation'.
Another resident from the area said: "It's not the dogs, it's the people who own them.
"It's cruel and unnecessary, I just don't understand it."
Cumbria Police confirmed that a report had been made regarding the behaviour of the animals in the area including that they were barking and being aggressive and that they may also have caused damage to a home's fencing.
Separately, this incident comes a week after police said they are investigating other allegations of an 'illegal fox hunt' in the Lorton Valley involving men on foot with dozens of foxhounds.
READ MORE: Police appeal following claims of illegal fox hunt in Lake District valley
Share