A ROW has erupted in the New Forest after a fox cub was killed during a hunt.

The killing has been condemned by the New Forest Animal Protection Group, which claims the hounds were encouraged to tear at the cub's body "in what appears to have been a frenzy whipped up by the hunters with guttural cries".

The incident took place near the Rhinefield House Hotel, Brockenhurst.

Campaigner Ken James said: "The hounds had been out of control for some time on the Rhinefield Ornamental Drive. We shall be informing the Forestry Commission, which licences the hunt, but I doubt if they will take any action."

Fellow anti-hunt campaigner Peter White said he was sickened by the cub's death.

He said: "It seems hard he had to die when we are so near a ban on hunting."

But New Forest Hounds spokesman Graham Ferris said the killing of foxes was a legitimate activity.

"Hounds, like any other dogs, are praised loudly and enthusiastically when they have done the job they have been bred for," he said.

"At no time were the hounds out of control and they were always accompanied by hunt staff and experienced members of the hunt."