DYFED-Powys Police are investigating a report that five hounds belonging to the Llanwnnen Hunt were shot dead on private land in the Lampeter area.

The Cambrian News has been told that the dogs were shot as the hunt was passing between Abermeurig and Felinfach on 29 December.

Three days previously members of the hunt had assembled at Lampeter’s Falcondale Hotel for their traditional Boxing Day Hunt which drew around 40 horses along with riders of all ages.

A source said: “I gather that some chap sounded his own horn, which attracted the hounds onto his own land, where he shot them dead.

“Not surprisingly, the huntsmen are up in arms about this.”

It is understood that the hunt’s New Year’s Day meet was called off following the incident.

A Dyfed-Powys Police spokesperson said: “A 47-year-old man is due to be voluntarily interviewed in connection to the incident. The investigation is ongoing.”

Ianto Evans, Master and Huntsman of Llanwnnen Hunt, declined to comment.

See this week’s south edition, in shops and online now