Police in Somerset have opened an inquiry into an incident involving a stag and a group of hunters, known as the Quantock Staghounds. The investigation follows the circulation of video footage on social media platforms that appears to show the animal being pursued. The nature of the pursuit and whether it violated local wildlife regulations or hunting laws remains the central focus of the police inquiry.

The Quantock Staghounds have issued a statement disputing the narrative surrounding the video. While the footage has generated significant public interest and concern regarding animal welfare, the group claims that the sequence of events as presented online is inaccurate. They contend that the chronology of the footage does not reflect the actual events that took place during the hunt. As of now, law enforcement officials have not released a final determination on whether any criminal activity occurred, and the investigation is ongoing. The incident has reignited local debates regarding the ethics and legality of stag hunting in the region, with animal rights advocates calling for stricter oversight of such activities.