Hunters must now use drag hunting with their hounds. Photo: Mark Robinbson

Police in Cumbria say they will monitor hunting activities in the face of complaints that illegal activities are taking place.

Cumbria Constabulary said it will conduct its Operation Kilowatt again this year.

It said, since the introduction of the Hunting Act, police have consistently received reports of illegal hunting and suspicious activity as well as complaints regarding other associated offences including intimidation and harassment, assault, public order, obstruction of the highway and driving offences.

The act made it illegal to hunt a wild animal with a dog, with certain exceptions. Trail and drag hunting, was introduced to replace the hunting of foxes by dogs. This involves the laying of a scent, usually animal based, eg fox urine, before hounds are released.

The dogs then ‘hunt’ the scent and provide an activity for supporters to follow, similar to foxhunting.

A force spokesperson said: “Cumbria Constabulary will liaise with non-government organisations which hold views on the Hunting Act and liaise with agencies such as the National Trust, Lake District national park and United Utilities which are the major landowners and which operate a licensing system to allow trail or drag hunting activity under their own protocol and procedures.

“Officers will be deployed when appropriate to carry out high-visibility patrols at various meetings throughout the season making use of overt recording equipment.

“Any incidents or persons identified as committing offences will be dealt with in an effective and professional manner, showing impartiality to any group or individual involved.

“This officer deployment will also provide reassurance to communities, minimise disruption, reduce crime and provide safer communities.”