GOLDEN eagles are being used to get around the law and allow hunts to continue using their hounds.

The Ledbury Hunt has revealed it is using the eagles - which have a two-metre wingspan - as well as eagle owls to kill foxes. They say they are only using dogs to flush the animals out.

Up to 30 hunts in Britain are believed to have bought birds of prey at a cost of up to £6,000 each, though Ledbury Hunt says it is not short of people willing to lend them the birds.

Huntmaster Tim Lewin said: "This is perfectly legal under the Hunting Act 2004, which allows unlimited dogs to flush a wild animal from cover so that a bird of prey can chase it.

"We have been using the birds to great effect since the end of August and we have people who support us who have golden eagles and eagle owls. It just goes to show what a ludicrous law the Government has passed."

Huntsman John Holliday, who said up to four foxes a week are being killed despite the ban, agreed.

"Our plans are to carry on as best as we can until the law is changed," said Mr Halliday, who is one of the Ledbury huntsmen who famously stormed the House of Commons last September in an

anti-ban protest.

"You don't get rid of 300 years of history with the stroke of a minister's pen."

But the new tactic has not gone down well with everyone.

The use of the birds has incensed the Hawk Board, which said horses do not like birds of prey and that people could get hurt.

A spokesman said: "Falconers and those involved in hunting should note that the governing bodies of falconry and hunting advise against this practice as it could lead to both being brought into disrepute."

The Council of Hunting Associations advised hunts to discuss plans with the Hawk Board and the Hunting Office.

So far, there have been no prosecutions in Worcestershire or Herefordshire under the Hunting Act 2004. The Crown Prosecution Service in said there are currently no plans to prosecute anyone for hunting-related offences.

GOLDEN EAGLE FACTFILE

The golden eagle is a very large bird of prey with a wingspan of more than two metres and weigh of up to 6kg.

Golden eagles will take any prey that is available, from small birds to rabbits and snakes.

The maximum weight most golden eagles can lift is 4-5kg (8.8-11lb) - so tales of very large animals or even children being carried away are to be viewed with scepticism.

Golden eagles are rarely heard and adults generally only call when agitated. Hungry young birds make a loud 'yip-yip' sound that can be heard from some distance.

They may live for more than 20 years.

EAGLE OWL

The eagle owl is the largest and most powerful owl in Europe.

It preys on everything from insects to larger animals such as hares, and even small deer.

It is about 69cm or 27 inches long, and 3kg in weight has a large beak and enormous talons.

It has prominent ear tufts which are raised or lowered depending on its mood. The plumage is mostly mottled but with bolder streaks on the breast.