Ampleforth Beagles
A school pack from 1915 to 1994, the Ampleforth Beagles is now run by a group of Old Amplefordians and local hunt supporters. A number of boys and girls at the College have continued to follow the pack since then and some have advanced to help control the pack. A Captain of Beagling and some Whippers-in have been appointed. With the Hunting Act of 2004 coming into effect in February 2005, the constitution of the pack was changed; the Ampleforth Beagles are only engaged in hunting which is recognised as being entirely legal. During the season, students travel out to meets across most of the North Yorkshire Moors.
Having started a rabbit from cover, the hounds initially pursue by sight, but when unsighted. they follow only by scent. If they are successful, the lead hound kills the rabbit instantly, before the whole pack eats the animal. In just the same way would a pack of wolves, native to Britain before their extinction in the 16 th Century, have hunted their prey. Instead of watching television documentaries of Cape Hunting Dogs in southern Africa, students can see at first hand how canine predators hunt co-operatively; this also ensures the vigour of the prey species, whose weaker members are weeded out as they once were by wolves.
Through the Beagles, boys and girls of the College have the chance to enjoy close and friendly links with local people across the Moors, links often shown in the farmhouse teas provided after hunting.
The Beagles also give boys and girls some experience of animal welfare through visits to the kennels and some local students help at hound shows during the Summer months.