Boxing Day hunts are on the verge of being phased out as plans to prohibit trail hunting are expected to kick off next year. Trail hunting involves setting a scented trail for the hunt to follow instead of chasing real animals. It was introduced as an alternative to fox hunting, which was outlawed by the Labour Party in 2004.
Critics have long highlighted concerns that foxes continue to be brutally attacked by dogs during hunts. Additionally, law enforcement officials have stated that trail hunting is often a cover-up for illegal fox hunting. The Government is now poised to enforce a ban, anticipated during this parliamentary term, as part of its upcoming animal welfare agenda set to be released on Monday.
Animal Welfare Minister Baroness Hayman affirmed the government’s commitment to banning trail hunting, citing evidence of its misuse for hunting wild animals. Ministers are set to initiate a consultation seeking input on implementing a comprehensive ban in the coming year. The proposed changes also include a ban on shooting hares in England for most of the year.
The RSPCA Director of Advocacy and Prevention, Thomas Schultz-Jagow, commended the steps being taken to halt what he described as an “abhorrent and cruel bloodsport.” He emphasized the challenges in enforcing the Hunting Act, pointing out the misuse of legal trail hunting for illegal hunting purposes.
Figures from the League Against Cruel Sports revealed a surge in 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 eradicated.
In contrast, the Countryside Alliance criticized the proposed changes as unwarranted, accusing the Labour Party of an undue focus on hunting. The Alliance’s chief executive, Tim Bonner, defended trail hunting as a lawful activity that supports rural communities and jobs, urging the government to prioritize policies that benefit rural areas instead.
