Boxing Day hunts are on the brink of extinction as the government gears up to initiate a ban on trail hunting starting next year. Trail hunting involves laying down a scent for the hunt to pursue instead of chasing real animals, serving as a substitute for the outlawed fox hunting since 2004.
Concerns have been raised by campaigners over the continued harm inflicted on foxes by dogs during hunts, with allegations that trail hunting is often a front for illegal fox hunting. The Government is now poised to enforce the ban, anticipated to be implemented within this parliamentary term, as part of its forthcoming animal welfare strategy due to be unveiled on Monday.
Baroness Hayman, the Animal Welfare Minister, reiterated the government’s commitment to banning trail hunting, citing evidence that the practice is being misused for hunting wild animals, which is deemed unacceptable. Ministers have pledged to revamp animal welfare laws and will launch a consultation to gather opinions on how to fully enact the ban in the upcoming year. Additionally, the prohibition of shooting hares in England for a large part of the year is also anticipated as part of the legislative changes.
Thomas Schultz-Jagow, the RSPCA Director of Advocacy and Prevention, welcomed the measures taken to halt what he described as a “cruel bloodsport.” He emphasized the suffering endured by wildlife, pets, and horses during trail hunts and the challenges faced by authorities in enforcing the Hunting Act due to alleged misuse of legal trail hunting for illegal hunting purposes.
The League Against Cruel Sports highlighted instances of illegal hunting during the hunting season, with an increase in the pursuit and killing of foxes. Emma Slawinski, the organization’s chief executive, expressed confidence that fox hunting would soon be permanently banned, emphasizing the need to strengthen the law to facilitate prosecution of those engaging in illegal hunting activities.
Conversely, the Countryside Alliance criticized the proposed changes to the law, arguing that trail hunting is a legitimate activity supporting rural economies and livelihoods. They called for a focus on policies that promote rural community development rather than divisive measures targeting hunting activities.