LUKE RIX FROM OXHILL CAUGHT ON VIDEO HUNTING WILDLIFE IN CHELTENHAM AND BROADWELL

Luke Rix, born in October 1990 and residing on Gilks Lane in Oxhill, Warwick CV35 0QE, has been convicted of serious wildlife offences following a detailed investigation led by the RSPCA. The case came to light after disturbing videos and images were discovered on an iPad belonging to Rix, which was handed over by his former partner. These recordings depicted Rix actively hunting and persecuting wild mammals using two dogs, one of which was identified as his own pet, Gunner. The footage showed the dogs attacking a wild boar, with Rix encouraging them by saying, “look at that boys – big pig – go on boys,” as the animals latched onto the boar’s neck. The boar was visibly in pain, bleeding from a wound inflicted by Rix himself, who had previously stabbed the animal.

Authorities from the RSPCA collaborated with Gloucestershire Police to execute a warrant at Rix’s residence located on Broadwell Hill, Broadwell, Cheltenham GL56 0UE. During the search, Rix’s mobile phone was confiscated, and his dogs were examined by a veterinarian. The investigation uncovered multiple videos and photographs, including one particularly disturbing clip showing the two dogs attacking a wild boar while Rix filmed the incident. The footage revealed a pattern of cruelty and a disturbing attitude towards wildlife, with Rix seemingly taking pride in these acts.

Further examination of Rix’s dog Gunner revealed severe health issues. The veterinarian found that Gunner had a fractured upper right canine, missing upper incisors, and worn lower incisors accompanied by significant dental disease. The condition was so severe that it was believed to have caused the dog considerable pain for at least three years. Records indicated that Gunner had not been seen by a vet since 2019, despite being advised at that time to have the fractured tooth removed due to infection. As a result of the injuries sustained during the investigation, Gunner required the removal of more than 20 teeth to alleviate his suffering.

In an interview, Rix claimed that he had always been involved in hunting and had previously worked as a gamekeeper. However, the evidence presented in court painted a different picture, revealing a pattern of cruelty and illegal hunting activities. The RSPCA’s solicitor, Lindi Meyer, detailed the extent of the evidence, stating: “Other seized videos and photos showed dogs ripping apart a fox, dogs with injuries, terriers tormenting a caged rat, and discussions of boar, badger, and fox hunting, along with conversations on social media about his hunting exploits. While not all of these activities are criminally charged, the material found on his devices demonstrates that the incident with the boar was not an isolated event. It shows that he has used his dogs in other situations to attack wild animals, treating it as a game which he films and brags about online. This also indicates a reckless attitude towards his dogs’ safety.”

In mitigation, it was argued that Rix was experiencing a difficult period in his life due to a breakup and issues with his business. Despite these circumstances, the court found him guilty and sentenced him to 18 weeks in jail. Additionally, he was ordered to pay £628 in costs and charges. Rix was also disqualified from owning or keeping dogs for a period of ten years.

Rix, who has links to several fox hunts and previously worked as a gamekeeper, is now employed as a tree surgeon under the company name Simia Forestry Ltd. His social media presence includes a Facebook page and an Instagram account, where he shares updates about his work. The case has garnered significant attention from local and national news outlets, highlighting the ongoing issues surrounding illegal hunting and animal cruelty in the Warwickshire area and beyond.