THE Masters of Fox Hounds Association (MFHA) has announced an independent inquiry will be carried out into conduct at the South Herefordshire Hunt.

The Hereford Times reported last week that three people linked to the hunt have been arrested on animal cruelty charges.

It was confirmed today that the hunt has suspended two members of staff.

The hunt's kennels, which are in Wormelow, are currently closed while the hounds are being looked after by other hunts which are members of the MFHA.

The inquiry will be chaired by The Rt Hon. Sir John Chadwick, a former Appeal Court Judge, and will include Bill Andrewes, a former Master and Hunt Chairman, and Pauline Tolhurst, a practising veterinary surgeon.

West Mercia Police confirmed last week that a 37-year-old man from Abergavenny, arrested on suspicion of failing to prevent the causing of unnecessary suffering to an animal, and a 37-year-old man and a 27-year-old woman from Hereford, both arrested on suspicion of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal, were all released on bail until a date in August.