Chris Packham Live‑Streams Five‑Hour Confrontation With Dorset Fox Hunt in Bid to Expose Illegal Activity

British wildlife presenter Chris Packham ignited a new wave of controversy this weekend after unexpectedly joining and live‑streaming the Blackmore & Sparkford Vale Hunt in Dorset. Packham, a long‑time critic of traditional hunting practices in the UK, followed the hunt for more than five hours using thermal imaging equipment, claiming he wanted to expose what he called a “shocking lack of accountability” among those who continue to pursue fox hunting despite the national ban.
The live broadcast, streamed on Facebook on Saturday, February 7, showed Packham and his team tracking hounds and riders across fields and woodland. At one point, thermal cameras detected around 15 hounds clustered in a wooded area, apparently digging at the ground. Packham suggested the dogs were attempting to reach an animal underground, describing the scene as “like stepping back into medieval savagery.”

🎥 Confrontations, Accusations and a Hunt Under Scrutiny

Fox hunting with dogs has been illegal in England, Wales and Scotland since the mid‑2000s, though trail hunting — where hounds follow an artificial scent — remains legal. Critics argue that trail hunting is often used as a cover for illegal fox hunting, a claim repeatedly denied by hunting groups.
The Blackmore & Sparkford Vale Hunt has faced scrutiny before. In December 2023, four men associated with the hunt were convicted following the death of a fox, a case that intensified national debate. Packham said his intention in filming the hunt was to “hold them accountable” and ensure the public sees what happens in the field.
During the livestream, one hunt participant confronted Packham, insisting: “You’ve got no evidence.” Another earlier taunted him, saying: “You won’t be able to keep up.”
Packham urged viewers who oppose fox hunting to contact their MPs and sign petitions, warning: “We can’t go into another season with this sort of activity taking place.”

🌲 Public Reaction and Growing Tensions in Rural Britain

The livestream drew thousands of viewers, many of whom praised the North Dorset Hunt Sabs — a local anti‑hunt group — for their efforts. Comments ranged from admiration to frustration, with one viewer writing: “Brave sabs, I can’t thank you enough,” while another added: “Our wildlife needs all the help it can get.”
The hunt, however, maintains it operates legally. On social media, the Blackmore & Sparkford Vale Hunt states it “complies with the Hunting Act 2004” and dismissed allegations from activists as “utter nonsense” driven by “blind prejudice.”
In November, the hunt publicly criticised North Dorset Hunt Sabs, escalating tensions between rural hunting communities and anti‑hunt activists — a conflict that has become increasingly visible across the UK.

🐕 Political Pressure Mounts as Government Eyes Trail Hunting Ban

The Countryside Alliance, backed by the British Hound Sports Association (BHSA) and chaired by former Defence Secretary Sir Ben Wallace, recently launched the Action for Hunting Initiative. The campaign aims to defend legal hunting practices amid growing political pressure.
The UK government reaffirmed its intention to ban trail hunting in its Animal Welfare Strategy published on December 22, 2025. A public consultation is expected in early 2026, a move that could reshape the future of rural hunting traditions across England, Wales and Scotland.
For many in the countryside — including farmers, land managers and outdoor sports enthusiasts — the debate is not just about hunting but about rural identity, land stewardship and the future of working dogs and hound packs. The Countryside Alliance argues that a ban would threaten hundreds of rural jobs and disrupt long‑established community structures.

🇬🇧 A Wider British Debate: Hunting, Conservation and Rural Culture

Fox hunting remains one of the most divisive issues in the United Kingdom. While urban audiences often view it as outdated cruelty, many rural residents see it as a legitimate countryside tradition and a practical method of wildlife management. According to recent surveys, more than 250 registered hunts still operate across the UK, employing thousands of people and contributing millions of pounds annually to rural economies.
At the same time, conservation groups argue that fox populations are stable and do not require lethal control on the scale historically practiced. The clash between conservationists like Packham and pro‑hunt organisations reflects a broader cultural divide between urban and rural Britain — one that shows no sign of easing.

📈 Additional Context: Hunting Participation and Enforcement Challenges

Despite the Hunting Act, enforcement remains difficult. Between 2010 and 2023, fewer than 500 convictions were recorded under the Act across England and Wales, a number critics say is disproportionately low given the scale of hunting activity. Many cases collapse due to lack of evidence, unclear footage or conflicting witness testimony.
Meanwhile, participation in trail hunting has remained steady. Estimates suggest that more than 10,000 riders and tens of thousands of spectators attend hunts annually, especially in regions like Dorset, Somerset, Yorkshire and the Scottish Borders. The UK’s hunting season continues to attract outdoor enthusiasts, horse riders and working dog handlers — even as political pressure mounts.
Packham’s livestream, viewed by tens of thousands, has reignited national debate and placed renewed attention on hunts operating in the West Country. Whether it leads to legal consequences or policy changes remains to be seen, but the confrontation has already become one of the most talked‑about hunting incidents of the year.