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Police probe Skegness beach hunt dog chase
Saturday, 9am: POLICE are investigating complaints after hounds from an organised hunt chased a cocker spaniel across Skegness beach and into the boating lake.
Eye-witnesses said horses and riders pursued the hounds and some onlookers were so angry they tried to pull a huntsman from his horse.
Police inspector Terry Ball said police are looking into a complaint from the dog's owner that she and her six-month-old baby were at one time surrounded by the hounds.
He believes The Cranwell Bloodhounds have an annual outing to Skegness where they go into the sea and along the beach.
But on this occasion it appears the hounds were distracted and gave chase to the dog.
Wendy Broughton, joint master of The Cranwell Bloodhounds, declined to comment on the incident when The Standard contacted her.
The organisation's website says the hounds hunt the clean boot – human scent – but one eye-witness feared the hounds were set to rip the spaniel apart like a fox.
Day-tripper Mikala Burdett told The Standard: "The hunt hounds suddenly started chasing a harmless cocker spaniel menacingly, just like they do a fox.
"The poor spaniel was absolutely terrified and kids and adults alike were screaming in sheer horror – bystanders on the beach were trying to stop the spaniel but it was just too frightened.
"The whole thing went on for several minutes and only ended when the exhausted spaniel jumped in the lake behind the beach to escape.
"My children were disturbed enough and were crying. People were furious and a few men tried to drag one hunstman off his horse. I feel these dogs should be nowhere near public places.
"What if it was a child the dogs went after or a less agile dog."
The incident happened on March 15 at lunchtime and the beach was busy with people enjoying a Mother's Day outing.
Skegness resident Edward Thomas was there with his young family and says horses and hounds should not be allowed in a place where there are young children.
For all your Skegness, Spilsby and Alford news, sport and what's on get the Skegness or Spilsby Standards - out every Wednesday!
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Weather for Skegness
Wednesday 23 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 10 C to 17 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
Wind direction: North
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 10 C to 18 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: North east
