Downing Street has rebuked Nigel Farage for criticizing ministers as “authoritarian control freaks” due to their proposal to outlaw trail hunting.
Trail hunting involves laying a scent trail for the hunt to follow instead of chasing real animals. It was introduced as a substitute for fox hunting, which was prohibited by the Labour Party in 2004.
Campaigners have long highlighted concerns that foxes are still being attacked by dogs during hunts, with allegations that trail hunting is often a cover for illegal fox hunting.
Labour has promised to ban this practice as part of its Animal Welfare Strategy unveiled recently. However, the move has sparked controversy among the Tories and Reform UK.
Mr. Farage, known for participating in Boxing Day hunts, criticized ministers for being control freaks, while the Conservatives condemned the ban as an attack on rural traditions.
Downing Street refuted the accusations of being control freaks, emphasizing their commitment to fulfilling manifesto promises.
Animal welfare campaigners have lauded Labour’s strategy, including the ban on trail hunting, but have expressed concerns about the lack of specific timelines for implementation.
The government has revealed a comprehensive set of policies to enhance animal welfare, covering issues such as ending cruel puppy farms, exploring a ban on electric shock collars for pets, addressing dog attacks on farm animals, and outlawing trail hunting.
Despite the absence of clear deadlines, the government aims to have the strategy operational by the end of 2030.
Owen Sharp, CEO of the Dogs Trust, welcomed the strategy but stressed the need for prompt action on certain measures, like combating puppy smuggling.
Green MP Adrian Ramsay emphasized the importance of setting definite timelines to phase out crates and cages and ensuring animal welfare standards in imports.
No10 confirmed that a consultation on trail hunting will commence next year and assured that they will consider recommendations from Baroness Minette Batters’ review on farm profitability.
