AN animal protection charity has condemned Dart-moor Hunt after six of its hounds were hit and killed by a train in Ivybridge.

A spokesman for the League Against Cruel Sports said Dartmoor Hunt members should be held accountable for failing to control their hounds.

Around 30 hounds belonging to Dartmoor Hunt ran onto the railway line between Langham Levels and Fardel Bridge. Several were hit by a passing train with six confirmed to have died.

Joe Duckwork, chief executive of the League Against Cruel Sports, said: 'This horrific incident is not an isolated case and is typical of the disregard that hunts show for their hounds.

'Accidents in the past have involved road traffic collisions, other train accidents and the deaths of other animals, including pet dogs and cats caused by out of control hunt hounds. Saturday's incident begs several questions. Why was the hunt in such close proximity to the railway line?

'Surely, if the hunt were following a trail, no one in their right mind would have laid the scent next to a busy line? Secondly, why were the hounds so out of control that such a tragic accident was allowed to take place?

'The sad fact remains, if the hunt's actions had been different, six dogs would still be alive and its members should be held accountable.'

A Network Rail train driver reported hitting the dogs just after noon on Saturday.

A spokesman from Network Rail, said: 'At 12.15pm we received a call from police informing us of about 30 unaccompanied dogs on the railway line.

'Sadly, at around the same time a train travelling through the area collided with six of the dogs, all of which died as a result of their injuries.

'Our staff attended the site as soon as they were able and worked with police to try and locate the other dogs and remove the remains from the track.'

No one from Dartmoor Hunt was available to comment.