UK Government announces trail hunting ban for England and Wales
Trail hunting is to be banned in England and Wales, the UK Government has announced, with a public consultation on how to take the ban forward opening today.
The practice sees hounds follow a pre-laid trail made from an animal-based scent across the countryside, mimicking traditional hunting.
It became common after the Hunting Act 2004 came into force as an alternative to fox hunting, which the act banned.
The government says the nature of trail hunting makes it difficult to ensure wild animals are not placed in danger when dogs pick up their scent rather than the intended laid trail.
Wild animals including foxes and hares, as well as household pets, can be injured or killed as a result.
Senior police figures have also raised concerns that trail hunting is being used as cover for illegal hunting with dogs.
Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman, who leads on hunting for the National Police Chiefs’ Council, has previously said trail hunting “gives people the opportunity to carry on hunting — as they always said they would when the ban came in 20 years ago.”
Animal Welfare Minister Baroness Sue Hayman said the government would act on its manifesto commitment.
“The nature of trail hunting makes it difficult to ensure wild and domestic animals are not put at risk of being killed or injured — that is clearly unacceptable,” she said.
The government says it wants drag hunting and clean-boot hunting, which use non-animal scents instead of animal-based trails, to continue.
Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens said the ban was the right decision.
“In 2004 traditional fox hunting was banned and this is the latest step to ensure we have the highest standards for animal welfare,” she said.
The announcement follows the government’s Animal Welfare Strategy, which set out reforms across a range of animal welfare issues.
The consultation is open until 18 June.
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