Ethan Shone 8th November 2018

Dozens of dogs die every year on train lines or in traffic, due to “illegal” fox hunting.

Reports that seven dogs, thought to be hunting dogs, were killed by a train last month in Devon have once again called into question the safety of so-called “trail hunting”.

Police are still appealing for witnesses after the dogs were struck by a train between Eggesford and Lapford at about 1pm on Saturday 29 October, causing delays and leaving many witnesses — including train staff — upset by the experience.

Devon and Cornwall British Transport Police have not yet confirmed why the dogs were on the track or who they belonged to. However, a number of posts on social media have suggested that they belonged to local fox-hunting group Eggesford Hunt.

The Overtake reached out to Eggesford Hunt for a comment but received no response.