FOX hunting protesters have asked Herefordshire Council to ban the annual Boxing Day meet in Ledbury.

The council has been asked to stop the traditional event following claims from protestors that, despite the ban on hunting with dogs, foxes are still being chased and killed.

Protestors also claim the gathering is a risk to public safety.

But these claims have been dismissed by the Hunt, which says it is acting responsibly and within the law.

A spokesman for Herefordshire Council said considerations about public safety and traffic moment were taken into consideration when granting any road closure.

The spokesman added: “Any prohibited activity under the Hunting Act 2004 should be reported to the police to investigate as Herefordshire Council has no statutory authority in respect of the Hunting Act 2004.”

The League Against Cruel Sports has written to Herefordshire Council, following the Ledbury Hunt meeting in the High Street, last Boxing Day.

In its letter, the League cites five alleged incidents “of terrified foxes being chased to exhaustion across the Herefordshire countryside during the hunt’s meets this season”.

It is alleged that on one occasion an exhausted animal took refuge in a badger sett and on five occasions setts were found blocked up on hunt days.

Chris Luffingham, director of campaigns at the League Against Cruel Sports, said: “Foxes have been chased by hounds under the control of the Ledbury Hunt. These brutal incidents not only reflect on the hunt itself – but anybody who allows them to continue operating.

“Large groups of hunt riders and hounds meeting creates a health and safety hazard – with highways obstructed and passers-by, including families with young children, forced into narrow spaces. It is only a matter of time before somebody is injured.”

A spokesman for the Ledbury Hunt said the claims were “nonsense” and added: “Street closures are agreed in advance with Herefordshire Council and all their safety recommendations are met. It is a great event for families and people of all ages.

“All hunting activity is conducted within the law on private land, with permission of landowners. Artificial trails are laid before and during the day.”