REDDITCH MP Chris Bloore has backed the Government’s manifesto promise to ban trail hunting after a public consultation was launched asking how to take the ban forward.
Trail hunting sees hounds follow a pre-laid animal-based scent across the countryside, mimicking traditional hunting. It became popular in the UK after the Hunting Act 2004 became law, as an alternative to traditional fox hunting.
Concerns also persist around whether trail hunting is being used by some as a ‘smokescreen’ to facilitate illegal hunting with dogs.
Mr Bloore attended a Parliamentary drop-in session in Westminster to discuss trail hunting, animal welfare and the impact of hunting activity on rural communities.
The event provided an opportunity for MPs to meet the League’s expert team and examine briefing materials on the effectiveness of current hunting laws.
Discussions also focused on concerns that, more than 20 years after the introduction of the Hunting Act, loopholes and enforcement challenges may mean the legislation was not always operating as intended.
Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman, who leads on hunting for the National Police Chiefs’ Council, has previously said he believed trail hunting was providing a smokescreen.
Mr Bloore said: “I have been open to considering alternatives.
“If a credible and workable means could be found to close the existing loophole while safeguarding genuinely non-lethal trail hunting, I would give it serious consideration.
“However, no such solution has been put forward.
“It is also important to be candid – there is evidence that the current system is being abused and this is acknowledged even by some within the hunting community.
“I do not believe it is constructive to proceed on the basis that this problem does not exist.
“A ban would provide clarity in the law, strengthen enforcement and better protect animal welfare.”
Bromsgrove MP Bradley Thomas and Droitwich and Evesham MP Nigel Huddleston have hit out at the ban with both saying they would be voting against it.
Mr Thomas said: “Our rural way of life is under attack once again from this Labour Government.
“This latest attack comes in the form of a Government consultation on how to ban trail hunting – a lawful activity that has operated since the Hunting Act 2004, contributing an estimated £100million to the rural economy each year and supporting a wide network of jobs and businesses – from farriers and feed suppliers to local pubs and rural services.
“Last week, Nigel Huddleston MP and I met with members of Worcestershire Hunt and heard first-hand the devastating consequences a ban could have on rural communities, livelihoods and lawful countryside activities.”
Mr Huddleston said trail hunting was part of our national tradition and integral to the rural economy.
“There are many misperceptions, but I understand the concerns that are often raised.
“It is imperative the practice is conducted within the law and, having visited many local hunts in my time as an MP, I am convinced that they are law-abiding.
“The organisers and participants take great pride and responsibility for animals and wildlife.
“Getting rid of these local rural traditions will have many unintended consequences on the local economy, not to mention what will happen to the hounds.
“This is just another attack from Labour city dwellers attacking the countryside.”
The public consultation runs until June 18.
* WHAT do you think? Should trail-hunting be banned? Or do you think it is ‘an attack on the rural way of life’? Email: [email protected] or: [email protected] with your views.
