WITH a cry of ‘Tally Ho’ riders in their hunting pinks set off with their hounds at Boxing Day meets in Dorset.

The Hunting Act 2004 may have outlawed hunting with hounds but it has not stopped supporters meeting for what is traditionally the busiest day of the hunt calendar which now involves scent trails being laid.

The South Dorset Hunt set off from the Blue Vinney pub in Puddletown while members of the Portman Hunt assembled outside The Crown at Blandford.

Almost 70 meets were listed as being organised throughout the country on Boxing Day, according to the Masters of Foxhounds Association.

Supporters say the ban is unworkable and that hunting with hounds is the most humane way of controlling foxes.