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 for the hunt to follow instead of pursuing real animals, serving as a substitute for the banned fox hunting initiated by the Labour party in 2004.
While campaigners have cautioned that foxes are still often attacked by dogs during hunts, Devon and Cornwall’s assistant Chief Constable, Matt Longman, has asserted that trail hunting is frequently used as a cover for illegal fox hunting.
Labour has committed to ending this cruel activity as part of its Animal Welfare Strategy unveiled recently. However, the Tories and Reform UK have strongly opposed this decision.
Mr. Farage, known for participating in Boxing Day hunts, criticized ministers for being “authoritarian control freaks” regarding the ban, while the Conservatives condemned the move as another blow to rural traditions.
Downing Street dismissed claims of a “control freak” government, affirming they are fulfilling their manifesto promise. Campaigners have praised Labour’s Animal Welfare Strategy, including the trail hunting ban, but have expressed concerns over the absence of specific timelines for implementing the changes.
The Government has revealed a comprehensive set of policies aimed at enhancing animal welfare across various settings. These policies encompass commitments to eradicate cruel puppy farms, explore banning electric shock collars for pets, crack down on dog attacks on farm animals, and prohibit trail hunting.
However, the strategy lacks a clear schedule for implementing these measures, only aiming to have them in place by the end of 2030. No10 mentioned that a consultation on trail hunting will commence next year and that they will consider all recommendations from Baroness Minette Batters’ review on farm profitability.