After birds were found trapped and dying in bird netting at the Mercure Nottingham City Centre Hotel, public outrage and reports to local authorities forced action. Kevin Newell from Humane Wildlife Solutions alerted both Protect the Wild and the relevant authorities, and by working together we were able to push for the netting to be addressed and the trapped birds rescued. Guests had reported multiple pigeons dead and decomposing in the netting outside hotel windows, with others still trapped alive. Reports of birds caught in the netting had surfaced over several years, suggesting this had been an ongoing issue where animal suffering had been repeatedly ignored.

Following the exposure of the incident and intervention from animal welfare authorities, action was finally taken. Surviving birds were rescued and the netting was removed to prevent further animals becoming trapped. The case exposed the brutal reality of bird netting on buildings and why these installations pose such a serious danger to wildlife. It also showed the power of public pressure and collaboration: when cruelty is exposed and campaigners, experts and the public work together, companies can be forced to act.

Use this template to send to your local police constabulary.

Dear Chief Constable [Surname],

I am writing to raise serious concerns about the widespread and ongoing violations of road traffic laws, reckless quad bike use, and the danger posed by out-of-control hunting hounds across [Police Force Region]. These persistent issues present significant public safety risks, disrupt communities, and undermine confidence in law enforcement when clear offences are ignored or unenforced.

The Problem: Recklessness and Lawbreaking by Hunts

For too long, organised hunts have operated with blatant disregard for road safety laws, putting motorists, pedestrians, animals, and property at risk. The most pressing issues include:

1. Quad Bike Law Violations

  • Unregistered and untaxed quad bikes being used illegally on public highways.
  • Quad bikes carrying multiple passengers in unsafe conditions, often without helmets or protective gear.
  • Reckless and dangerous use of quad bikes on roads and footpaths, frequently leading to near-misses or accidents.

2. Road and Traffic Hazards

  • Hunts obstructing roads and disrupting traffic, forcing vehicles into dangerous situations.
  • Hunt participants ignoring highway regulations, failing to control their vehicles properly, or acting aggressively towards other road users.

3. Hounds Loose on Roads – A Growing Danger

  • Hounds being abandoned or left behind, creating hazards for motorists and pedestrians.
  • Dogs running uncontrolled onto roads, leading to accidents, injuries, and unnecessary distress for local communities.
  • Hunts failing to take responsibility for their animals, leaving them to roam unsupervised and at risk.

The Evidence: HuntHavoc.info – Logging the Chaos

A growing body of evidence at HuntHavoc.info documents these repeated offences across the UK, categorised by police force. The database provides clear proof of non-enforcement in cases where hunts have broken the law without consequence.

The Request: Immediate Action and Accountability

I urge [Police Force Name] to take urgent and proactive enforcement action to tackle these recurring issues. Specifically, I request that:

  1. Quad bike regulations be properly enforced, ensuring that all vehicles are legally registered, taxed, and road-safe.
  2. Traffic laws be applied equally to hunt-related offences, with proper investigation and action taken against dangerous driving and road obstruction.
  3. Hound control be treated as a serious safety issue, with hunts held accountable for loose or abandoned dogs on roads.
  4. A clear reporting mechanism be established so the public can report hunt-related road safety violations easily and expect a timely response.
  5. Transparency and accountability measures be introduced to ensure police forces do not grant leniency or preferential treatment to hunting groups.

Hunts are not above the law, and continued failure to act only fuels public frustration and diminishes trust in policing. The dangers posed by reckless quad bike use and out-of-control hounds must be addressed before more accidents occur.

I request a formal response outlining the steps that [Police Force Name] intends to take regarding these matters. Please confirm receipt of this letter and provide a timeline for planned enforcement actions or policy reviews concerning hunt-related road offences.

I look forward to your response and a firm commitment to ensuring accountability, enforcing the law, and protecting public safety.

Yours sincerely,