Spooners and West Dartmoor Hunt has apologised to a Walkhampton resident who claims a number of hounds ran across his garden during the New Year?s Day hunt.
Graham Piper, who lives in Blackbrook Close, told the Times several hounds ?ran riot? through his shrubs and trampled on a sandpit, which was a Christmas present to his children.
He wrote: ?When I asked a member of the hunt to remove the dogs from my property I was informed that the dogs could not be controlled, and no effort was made to clear the garden or prevent further access by the dogs.
?This occurs at a time when the hunt wants public support as they face extinction due to proposed government legislation.
?Sooner or later hunting with dogs will be banned and if they continue to show such disregard for people?s private property, let?s hope it?s sooner.?
Spooners huntmaster, Guy Morlock, said: ?It?s very unfortunate if we have inadvertantly upset this particular gentleman and I can only say I?m heartily sorry.
?There were one or two young dogs who got a bit excited and strayed away from the pack, but it?s almost impossible to keep an eye on all of them.
?Certainly the last thing we ever intend to do is cause any disruption or offence to local residents.?