Hatfield House has defended a hunt it describes as "entirely legal", after claims by campaigners that illegal fox hunting was taking place.

On Saturday, March 9, Hatfield Park played host to the closing meet of the Cambridgeshire Hunt with Enfield Chace, an event which dates back to the 18th century.

Campaigners from North London Hunt Saboteurs and East Northants Hunt Saboteurs were in attendance to monitor the event, with member Rhys Giles telling this newspaper that the group saw "hounds sent into woodland and hedgerows" as part of illegal fox hunting.

"We saw the hunt send hounds into woodland and hedgerows. Hatfield House supported the hunt in their illegal activities through deployment of their own security, who attempted to intimidate hunt saboteurs on public footpaths with their own guard dogs," he said.

"The Cambridge & Enfield enjoy having the freedom of Hatfield House and its grounds because the woodland is gated private land, making it difficult for the police and monitoring groups to access.

"This means that they have an easier time getting away with the cruel and illegal killing of wildlife. 

"On Saturday, April 27, the Vegan Market Co is hosting their market at Hatfield House. Fox hunting is a blood sport, directly contradictory to the ethos and world view of veganism. We’ve asked Vegan Market Co to end their relationship with Hatfield House."

In a statement, a spokesperson for Hatfield House said that the event was "entirely legal", as drag or trail hunting were taking place.

Drag or trail hunting - where a trail is laid for the hunt to follow - are legal in the UK, but fox hunting is illegal, having banned in England by the Hunting Act 2004.

"Hatfield Park has always supported the rural economy and country sports operating within the law and realms of good practice," a statement read.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Members of the hunt before the event took place.Members of the hunt before the event took place. (Image: North London Hunt Saboteurs and East Northants Hunt Saboteurs)

"The Cambridgeshire and Enfield Chace Hunt have had a long tradition of a Spring meet at Hatfield House. The meet always attracts a good turnout and support from both estate staff and local community.

"The day attracted a broad field of riders, a proportion of which were younger pony club members enjoying an opportunity to ride within the wonderful Hatfield Park landscape.

"Contrary to certain reports, the hunt were drag or trail hunting with hounds following a trail laid by hunt staff on a quad bike. No wildlife or animals were harmed during the day and the days activities were entirely legal.

"Hertfordshire Police were in attendance to witness events and disappointingly, in a small number of cases, had to assist estate staff where hunt saboteurs chose to seek unlawful access to Hatfield Park and sought to disrupt an otherwise peaceful day."