In response, a spokesman for the East Sussex and Romney Marsh Hunt has said there is no evidence to suggest the fox was alive when it was found, before slamming the saboteurs for blowing horns to distract the dogs.

The wild rabbits were caught near playgrounds and fields in the Eastbourne area of East Sussex (Picture: RSPCA / SWNS)It was then discovered that his son Liam Smith, had been going out with Earwaker rabbiting and ferreting, and they were catching rabbits and ‘dropping’ them in front of their dogs for the dogs to chase.