RSPCA appeals for info after ‘hunt rider’ filmed beating and kicking horse

A woman can be seen kicking, punching and slapping the horse

Shocking footage of a woman beating and kicking a horse as it is dragged back into its horsebox is currently circulating on social media causing thousands to call for immediate investigation from the RSPCA. As you can see in the video below, captured by anti-hunting group Hertfordshire Hunt Saboteurs, the as yet unidentified woman can be seen kicking, punching and slapping the horse as she leads another towards a group believed to be The Cottesmore Hunt.

*Warning — footage may cause distress*

https://twitter.com/HertsHuntSabs/status/1457304240079228929?s=20 As many online have pointed out, if the woman pictured is indeed part of the Rutland-based foxhound hunting pack, it is no surprise that she has such disregard for the wellbeing of an innocent, defenceless creature. The RSPCA have of course responded and are asking people for any other information they have regarding the incident. https://twitter.com/RSPCA_official/status/1457645766470737924?s=20 It appears a number of people across various social media platforms have managed to locate images that get a clearer look at the culprit, though none have yet been confirmed and little is still known about her identity. As reported in multiple outlets, the Hunting Office (the UK's national body) condemned the actions, saying it “expects the highest level of animal welfare at all times – both on and off the hunting field”, as well as insisting that the woman in question is “not a member of the hunting associations.” https://twitter.com/ChristineHoxwo1/status/1457388076255399944?s=20 On the other hand, Cottesmore Hunt - who the woman is thought to be a party to at the time - said it does not condone the actions shown in the video “under any circumstances” and "will be reminding all of our supporters that this will not be tolerated.” However, some online are also sharing footage that seems to suggest otherwise - but again, it is hard to verify these images: https://twitter.com/daphne_miles/status/1457406514801557511?s=20

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