An Oxfordshire hunt has welcomed a new litter of puppies at the kennels.
The Bicester Hunt with Whaddon Chase welcomed eight 'healthy' hounds and said the dogs are already showing 'all the promise, personality, and pedigree that makes the pack so admired'.
In the UK, it's illegal to hunt foxes with a pack of dogs.
The Bicester Hunt with Whaddon Chase says it practises trail hunting and is an accredited member of the British Hound Sports Association (BHSA).
According to the group, trail hunting does not involve pursuit of any animal - instead, the hounds are trained to follow a pre-laid scent trail, preserving the traditions, skills and employment associated with hunting, 'while remaining in full compliance with the Hunting Act 2004'.
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The puppies are the offspring of Landlord and Thistle, both first-time parents.
Landlord has already made his mark, taking 2nd place at the Great Yorkshire Show in the Stallion Hound Class, and the mother, Thistle, brings another highly regarded bloodline into the pack.
Oliver Cornock, master of foxhounds at the Bicester Hunt with Whaddon Chase, said: "Thistle's father, Thoresway, came with our Huntsman, Gareth Bow, from the Brocklesby when he joined the Bicester Hunt.
"By tradition, and with the agreement of the Masters, Huntsman often take a couple of their favourite hounds with them when they move on to a new pack - and Thoresway was a real favourite, a proper old English hound.
"It's very special to see his line carried on here."
He added: "Bedtime, Thistle's dam, is also well-known at the kennels.
"With her unusually dark coat and striking gold eyebrows, she stands out immediately.
"Everyone says she looks like she's wearing sunglasses. She's got real character, and we're hoping to see some of that shine through in this litter too."
For now, the puppies are enjoying the comfort of their whelping lodge at the kennels in Stratton Audley, Bicester.
Oliver Cornock said: "The children love coming to see the pups, and it's lovely for the hounds too. It's a big part of their early socialising - they get used to being handled and are never short of playmates."
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As with all litters at the Bicester Hunt, names will come later, once the pups go out to their puppy walkers.
Oliver Cornock added: "Some are bold, others are a bit more watchful. But that's what makes it exciting - they're all individuals. Watching them grow into working hounds is one of the best parts of the job."
With 'such strong bloodlines, distinctive parentage, and expert care', this litter 'promises to be an exciting addition' to the Bicester Hunt, says the group.