SUPPORTERS of the Tetcott Hunt have backed the committee's decision not to renew the contract of the hunt's former master, Andrew Bozdan,

Mr Bozdan was sacked just two days before his wife Rosemary died, leaving him homeless and jobless.

The move was described as “cruel and callous” by one hunt member and a number of signatures were added to a petition objecting to the hunt committee's decision.

This led to an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) of the Tetcott Hunt which took place last week at Sutcombe Village Hall.

It was a private meeting during which a statement was given by hunt chairman, Julian Smeeth.

A spokesman for the hunt said: “The meeting showed massive support for the committee with 127 people voting in favour and only 10 against.”

At the hunt's annual meeting in January it was recommended by the committee that Mr Bozdan continued in his job and this was ratified by members of the club.

However, the hunt subsequently changed this decision, leaving some members wondering why.

The hunt did not want to comment on the reasons for the decision and Mr Bozdan said he felt he had been treated “appallingly”.

Following last week's meeting, a spokesman for the hunt said: “Since March 1 the committee has taken on full responsibility for the hunt's fallen stock service and livestock farmers using this service can be assured that stock taken to the kennels is now properly handled.

“At last week's meeting Mr Smeeth outlined the way forward for the hunt. This includes the appointment of a kennel-huntsman with David Wickett, of Week St Mary, taking on the role of acting master on behalf of the committee.

“Mr Smeeth added that without fail trail-hunting would continue on the due date.”

Mr Bozdan said: “I am very disappointed with what happened at the EGM and the fact that the only person who mentioned Rosemary at the meeting was me. It is as if it never happened.

“The meeting was very difficult for me and very upsetting.

“I have been involved with hounds and hunting for 32 years and never in all my time have I come across this type of behaviour.”

Mr Bozdan said a negotiated settlement is being looked at and was unable to comment further.