100 foxes killed by hunters.

Byline: By ANDY LINES

HUNTSMEN claimed that up to 100 foxes were killed up and down the country over the weekend.

They insisted it was business as usual as 317 hunts across England and Wales rode out for the first time since hunting with dogs was banned.

Some hunts used a loophole in the law which allows a fox to be killed by a bird of prey or shot if two dogs are involved.

The Countryside Alliance said it was "confident" the hunts were within the law.

Spokesman Jill Grieve said: "The feedback we've has been very positive."

But anti-hunt campaigners warned: "We're watching you."

The League Against Cruel Sports said they had taken secret video coverage on Saturday which could prove some hunts had broken the law.

They will analyse the footage today and send it to police if they feel any hunt had not abided by the strict new guidelines.

Spokesman Mike Hobday said: "We will be watching them closely."

CAPTION(S):

KILL: Huntsman