OLIVER THOMPSON OF FARINGDON INVOLVED IN ANIMAL CRUELTY CASE WITH FOX AND TERRIER IN WILTSHIRE

Oliver Thompson, a huntsman based in Faringdon, was at the center of a disturbing animal cruelty case that has garnered significant attention from animal welfare organizations and the public alike. The incident, which took place near Melksham in Wiltshire, involved Thompson baiting a terrified young fox cub with a dog while his wife, Felicity Thompson, also known as Felicity Hook, recorded the events on video.

In the footage, Thompson was seen training a terrier named Nelly to attack the defenseless fox. The video revealed Thompson removing the young fox from a trap and repeatedly placing her in close proximity to Nelly, demonstrating a clear intent to cause harm. The footage, which was leaked to the public, sparked outrage and prompted an investigation by the RSPCA. The organization successfully prosecuted Thompson for causing unnecessary suffering to an animal, a charge that underscores the severity of his actions.

Thompson, who previously was associated with the Old Berkshire Hunt, pleaded guilty to the charges during a court session at Swindon Magistrates’ Court. His sentencing hearing took place on Monday, December 11. In addition to the initial charge, Thompson admitted to a second offence involving the throwing of a fox to a pack of hounds on Christmas Eve in 2020. Magistrates described Thompson’s conduct as “sadistic behaviour,” emphasizing his apparent leading role in the cruelty inflicted upon the animals.

Felicity Thompson, whose voice is audible in the leaked footage, was also charged. However, the prosecution decided to offer no evidence against her, leading to the dismissal of her case. The court’s decision effectively cleared her of any legal responsibility in the incident.

Following the leak and subsequent public outcry, the British Hound Sports Association announced that it had suspended Oliver Thompson pending further investigation. Thompson later resigned from the Old Berkshire Hunt, distancing himself from the organization amid the controversy.

Representatives from the Hunt Saboteurs Association expressed their disapproval, stating that the incident was “no surprise” given their ongoing observations of cruelty at hunts. They referenced similar cases, including the December 2022 incident in Brokerswood involving Stuart Radbourne and whipper-in Aaron Fookes, who were also sentenced for throwing a fox to hounds under the Hunting Act and Animal Welfare Act.

The court sentenced Thompson to a 20-week prison term, suspended for two years. Additionally, he was ordered to complete 300 hours of unpaid work and pay costs amounting to £2,500. While no ban on owning dogs was imposed, the court mandated that Thompson surrender Nelly, the terrier, to the RSPCA. It remains uncertain whether Nelly will be re-homed or euthanized. The case highlights ongoing concerns about animal cruelty within certain hunting circles and the need for stricter enforcement of animal welfare laws.