PROTESTERS gathered outside a police station at the weekend to call for tough action on those who continue to hunt foxes.

Some 30 people joined the protest after an alleged incident in Sturminster Newton on January 2.

As reported in the Daily Echo, it is claimed a fox was killed during a hunt meeting. Police are taking no further action over the allegations as officers say there is 'insufficient evidence' for a prosecution.

Campaigners angry at the incident and police's response met outside Dorchester police station on Sunday.

Mother and daughter Anne and Cassie Simons travelled from Poole to attend.

Anne said: "If a group of council estate lads with staffies were reported to be out on motorbikes chasing foxes, you can guarantee they'd end up facing criminal charges - but people who attend hunts are upper class and on horseback, so nothing gets done."

Emma Christoforakis, who helped organise the protest along with husband Dimitri, was dressed in a fox suit.

She said: "We are asking Dorset Police to give due consideration to the evidence presented and take reports of foxhunting seriously."

A spokesman from Dorset Police said: "In line with any planned protest, the local neighbourhood policing team liaised with organisers to ensure it was facilitated peacefully and lawfully.

"Dorset Police has a duty to remain impartial and ensure lawful and peaceful activity is upheld by both sides of the hunt.

"We have liaison officers who regularly speak with both parties and will continue to do so ensuring fairness and impartiality.

"We wish to be clear that we will investigate any alleged breaches of the Hunting Act 2004 and other legislation and work closely with the Crown Prosecution Service to determine if a case could be taken to court.

"Hunting mammals with dogs has been illegal since 2004. A few, very specific, exemptions apply.

"We would urge anyone with clear evidence of such offending to please report it to us.

"We do find that many of the reports posted on social media are not referred to us and without this happening we have no ability to investigate.

"In addition, the posting of images onto social media may have the potential to negatively impact on any subsequent court process."

"Anyone wishing to report a crime or breach of the Hunting Act should contact Dorset Police."