A family’s pet was killed at their home in Kilpeck, on Saturday, February 20th; the cat was attacked by some dogs which had strayed from a local hunting group. West Mercia Police have confirmed they are investigating the incident, and Ross Harriers have issued an apology to the family.

David Clarke, who’s mother owned the cat, contacted the Ross Gazette. He said: “At around 1pm, our garden was invaded by hounds belonging to the Ross Harriers and these dogs are a very serious threat to public safety. The dogs were not controlled by any member of Ross Harriers, who were nowhere to be seen, although I could hear their horns in the distance.

“Three of the hounds attacked my one cat, causing it serious internal injuries, I put the cat in the porch, away from the dogs and I could tell that it would soon die.”

Mr Clarke told the Ross Gazette that a member of the Hunt approached him and apologised, and offered to pay any vets bills. However he said this would not be needed, as the cat died. He added that another one of his mother’s cats is also missing since the incident took place.

A spokesperson for West Mercia Police told the Ross Gazette: “We can confirm that West Mercia Police is investigating a report of a cat which died after it was attacked by a dog on private land in Hereford on Saturday afternoon, February 20th.

“Enquiries are ongoing and no further details are available at this time.”

The Ross Harriers have issued an apology to the Clarke family. Anna Ernsting, Joint Master Ross Harriers, told the Gazette: “The hunt was trail hunting in the area of the Clarke’s home on Saturday and had laid a scent trail through the nearby woods for the hounds to follow.

“Unfortunately a small number of the hounds strayed into the Clarke’s garden through a hole in the hedge and their cat died. It is very unusual for our hounds to leave the trail laid for them and we are very sorry that it happened on Saturday and for the distress this caused the family. I apologised to Mr and Mrs Clarke at the time of the incident and visited again on Sunday to pass on our sincere apologies.”

Mr Clarke disputes the Harriers’ account; the matter is now in the hands of the police.