Shropshire Star

Huntmaster Otis Ferry sorry after complaint over dogs

South Shropshire huntmaster Otis Ferry today apologised to a resident following complaints that a number of hounds caused chaos in a county village.

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South Shropshire huntmaster Otis Ferry today apologised to a resident following complaints that a number of hounds caused chaos in a county village.

The huntsman, who is the son of Roxy Music star Bryan Ferry, said he was 'very sorry' that Jonathan Edwards had not been informed that the South Shropshire Hunt was meeting on Wednesday at Pontesford, near Shrewsbury.

Mr Edwards, 45, who lives at Lower Mill Farm, claimed about 30 hounds ran through the village causing disruption to traffic on the A488 and frightening his horses.

Mr Edwards said the incident happened at about 1pm and lasted for about 25 minutes.

He said: "They had absolutely no control over their hounds which were running all over the main road, causing multiple vehicles and lorries to screech to a halt."

He also claimed that the hounds endangered the lives of his three horses, who were spooked by the dogs.

"One of my horses jumped over a 4ft high electric fence. If I had not been at home he could have run into the road and been killed and caused injuries to passing drivers. It took a long time to get the horses under control again. The one who jumped cost £9,000 and is a great friend and companion," he added.

"It was a sheer lack of respect and it makes me very, very cross. I am not anti-hunt, but in previous years I have had a letter to say it will be happening so I can get the horses in."

Mr Ferry today said: "I do not think at any point the hounds were out of control. People assume they are out of control when actually they are just doing their job.

"I am very, very sorry that Mr Edwards did not get notification. We do our best to notify every landowner when we are in a particular area. Recently we have had a different master for that area and I can only imagine that when the last list has been compiled this landowner was not on it.

"I would urge him to get in touch with me so he can be added to the list of landowners."

By Catherine Ferris

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