Hunt supporters raise over £2000 for veterinary treatment for young hound

Generous supporters of the Cotley Hunt have had their passion for their hounds rewarded after Saucy, a hound that suffered from a broken leg, has finally returned to the pack following some extensive treatment which was funded by their donations.

Saucy, a young hound, broke three out of the four bones in her right hind leg in a freak accident a week before the hunt's puppy show last summer. She managed to get her leg caught in the hunt lorry's hound compartment door when coming out of the lorry after a pre-puppy show practice and was rescued by the huntsman.

With extensive treatment required and an awareness of the likely costs involved, Mary Perry, joint-master of the Cotley, started fundraising so that Saucy could receive the best treatment available to ensure she made a full recovery. Over £2,000 was raised through donations from hunt supporters.

"We are so grateful to all those who contributed to Saucy's fund, from her amazing puppy walkers who came to visit her every Sunday for the past six months to those kind souls who contributed in some way to her recovery," said Mary Perry. "She has had a drawn-out and challenging time on the road to recovery but the story has a happy ending because after two operations and various setbacks, she has made a full recovery and is now back walking out with the pack, but it would not have been possible to start this journey without the donations."

"We could not have reached this outcome without the care given by our huntsman and his girlfriend in kennels and the staff at our local veterinary hospital. She created quite a stir going to the vet's for weekly check-ups, completely captivating many of the veterinary professionals who went over and beyond our expectations throughout. Little did we know that our little broken hound was to capture their hearts as much as she did. We are so grateful."

Polly Portwin, Director of the Campaign for Hunting at the Countryside Alliance said: "Through their generosity and care, the supporters of the Cotley Hunt have demonstrated just how much their hounds mean to them. Those who follow the Cotley are understandably proud of their West Country harrier pack and there was no hesitation in making sure that Saucy had the best possible treatment to aid her recovery."

After eight weeks of cage rest following her second operation, which saw bone grafts put into her leg and plates inserted into the broken bones, Saucy is now walking out with the other hounds and once again enjoying life as a young hound.