Huntsmen could face prosecution

Two Somerset men could face a private prosecution for allegedly hunting stag.

The League Against Cruel Sports (Lacs) claim Richard Downs and Adrian Pullivant of the Quantock Staghounds have breached the Hunting Act.

The Countryside Alliance has said it will support both Mr Pullivant and Mr Downs and "do whatever is needed".

The animal welfare group successfully prosecuted Tony Wright in August - the country's first prosecution for breaching the 2005 law.

An appeal against that conviction is expected to be heard in November.

In a statement the Countryside Alliance said: "They were doing their best to operate within the law, and we have always said we will give full support to hunts that are hunting or attempting to hunt within the law."

"Lacs seem to be more interested in using private prosecutions to harass individuals and the rural community in Devon and Somerset, than addressing animal welfare issues."