ANIMAL welfare activists have branded a hunt "grossly irresponsible" after three hounds died after being hit by cars on a busy road.

But supporters of the Seavington Hunt, based at Ilminster in South Somerset, described the collision as a "tragic accident", and insisted members were careful and professional.

Police have appealed for witnesses after the three hounds were hit by cars on the A303, at Tintinhull, near Yeovil, at about noon on Saturday, during a day's trail hunting.

Douglas Batchelor, chief executive of the League Against Cruel Sports, it was a "miracle" that nobody was killed.

"The hunt are grossly irresponsible for allowing their hounds to go anywhere near a main road, especially if they were hunting a trail," he said.

"If they can't control their hounds then they should stop going out until they learn that basic skill."

The League has received two statements, from witnesses who do not want to be named.

One read: "We heard a loud thud, almost like a gunshot and one hound had been hit on the eastbound carriageway.

"Shortly after that two more hounds were killed on the westbound carriageway. Both cars were write-offs.

"It was only by the quick thinking of the drivers that they hit the hounds and didn't swerve into other motorists or the outcome could have been a lot different, with the huntsmen on a manslaughter charge."

Another alleged the huntsman used the horn to late to call the hounds in after they neared the road.

Last night, nobody from the Seavington Hunt was available for comment, but Alison Hawes, regional director for the Countryside Alliance, said the hunt was carrying out an internal investigation into why the hounds had run in the direction of the road.

She said accidents involving hounds were extremely rare, despite the fact that 47 packs roam the Westcountry several times a week. She said: "It was a tragic accident, and it's incredibly sad and upsetting for everyone involved in the hunt. It was just a tragic accident.

"The Seavington are a very responsible hunt.

"I can't recall them ever having had an accident. They are extremely well-run."

Mrs Hawes said hounds, by their nature, were susceptible to running off the trail in unpredictable directions, if they caught the scent of a rabbit or a fox.

Avon and Somerset Police have asked anyone with information on the incident to call 0845 456 7000.