South Yorkshire Police is appealing for information after 40 quad bike riders joined a Boxing Day hunt in Bawtry, Doncaster.
The bikers are not affiliated with the Grove and Rufford Hunt, whose meet in the market town on 26 December 2025 attracted over 100 horse riders.
The quad bike riders are believed to have been riding illegally, with many using public paths, being uninsured and with some bikes reported stolen.
As part of the investigation, the police are urging anyone with photographs or footage to get in touch.
A statement said: “We are investigating offences that occurred during a Boxing Day hunt ride held in Bawtry and are urging anyone with photographs or footage to get in touch to support our investigation.
“On 26 December, a hunt ride involving horse riders took place through Bawtry. During the ride, it is understood that over 40 quad bikes, unaffiliated with the hunt attended.
Those quad bike riders are believed to have been riding illegally, with many on public paths, uninsured and with some bikes reported stolen.
“We are investigating the offences believed to have been committed and urge anyone with photographs, footage, or information about the bikes and riders to get in touch.”
Anyone with information can get in touch with South Yorkshire Police online, via live chat, or by calling 101 and quoting incident number 723 of 31 December 2025.
Trail hunting ban
It comes after the government outlined a new Animal Welfare Strategy for England, which includes plans to ban trail hunting. Trail hunting became popular after the last Labour government passed the Hunting Act 2004, which banned the hunting of wild mammals with dogs in England and Wales.
Critics argue that trail hunting is being used as “a smokescreen” for the hunting of wild animals, while others state that a ban would have a “devastating effect” on the countryside.
Main image of hounds outside The Crown Hotel in Bawtry © Shutterstock
