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British hunters to test fox-hunt ban

LONDON, Sept. 25 (UPI) -- British hunt groups are planning to take advantage of a loophole in anti-hunting legislation that makes it legal to hunt rabbits.

Hunting and killing foxes with packs of hounds was outlawed earlier this year, but the Times of London says rabbits can be hunted legally -- even with a pack of hounds and mounted huntsmen.

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The newspaper said the ploy is set out in new rules of engagement for the hunting season issued by the Countryside Alliance and Council of Hunting Associations.

If the hounds pick up the scent of a fox and end up killing it, the huntsmen are being told to claim the act was unintentional and an accident.

Hunt groups were also told it is still legal for hounds to dig out rabbits from their holes, and also for huntsmen to stop up burrows to ensure there are more rabbits above ground.

The newspaper said senior hunting figures aim to test the new law, and hunters are preparing for "show" trials in magistrates' courts that will establish how the current law is to be enforced.

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