MAMMAL expert Professor Stephen Harris gave evidence in the hunt trial today.
Henry James Hawksfield, 59, of Bines Road, Partridge Green, Rachael Holdsworth of Rock Road, Washington, Neill Millard, 45, of Dragons Lane, Shipley, and Andrew Phillis, 50, of Halwell, Totnes, Devon, have pleaded not guilty to charges brought under the Hunting Act 2004.
Prof Harris told Horsham Magistrates’ Court that he has been involved in many foxhunts, as far back as the 1970s when he was first studying the animals.
More recently, he said he has laid scent trials while experimenting with ‘bio barriers’ - ways to deter animals from crossing a boundary.
Prof Harris said he had seen the videos, and believed they showed foxhunting rather than trail hunting.
The hounds were so fast and so noisy, he said, that they must be following a very fresh trail.
He is due to be cross-examined by the defence tomorrow.
All four defendants deny any wrongdoing.
The case continues.