Hunts need to be aware of the considerable powers of seizure and forfeiture. Reasons for the retention of equipment and articles should be understood by Masters and hunt staff so that they are prepared for any police intrusion or inquiry.

For example:

Vehicles are needed to convey hounds and horses to meets for legal activities, dead stock collection and general purposes.

Saddlery is needed for horses involved in legal activities, and hunting horns and whips to control hounds. If terriermen’s tools are retained it must be clear they are for the purpose of call outs to preserve game birds to be shot.

Under Clause 8 of the Act a constable (without warrant) may ‘seize and detain a vehicle, animal or other thing if he reasonably believes that it may be used as evidence in criminal proceedings for an offence under Part 1 of this Act.’ It is not known how the Police will approach seizure.

Forfeiture of property only applies when a Court has convicted a person of an offence under Part 1 of the Act.