The Oakley Hunt will pursue foxes at its New Year's Eve meet tomorrow despite the ban – thanks to a golden eagle called Isla.

Like some other hunts, the Oakley has used a bird of prey to kill its quarry since the Hunting Act took effect in February.

Joint master of the hunt Simon Thomas said the eagle allowed the hunt to continue to ride out with a full pack of hounds without breaking the law.

He said: "We use the hounds to flush the fox out of cover, and then it is dispatched by the eagle.

"The police are quite happy with it and we are quite happy we are working within the law.

"We are still able to keep the fox population under control and provide a service to landowners while keeping the traditions alive. The foxes are killed in a humane way."

The Hunting Act allows two dogs to flush a fox or other animal towards a marksman, who can shoot it. Hunts can only deploy a full-size pack of hounds to exercise them, or to follow a scent trail.

But some hunts have bought eagles to make use of clauses within the act intended to enable falconry to carry on.

Critics have argued these are a loophole which are exploited to put full packs in the field.
Mr Thomas said Isla had been specially imported from Germany and was looked after by a professional.

He declined to say how many foxes she had caught since the autumn, when the hunt began using her, or how much she had cost.

The Oakley Hunt in general is still going strong, he added, with around 700 foot followers attending its Boxing Day meeting at Castle Ashby, Northants, plus 60 riders.

Mr Thomas said: "We are determined to change the law after the next change of Government, but the fact is we hunt within the law as it is. We don't break it, and we can use the eagle quite legally."