Boxing Day hunts may soon be a thing of the past as the government gears up to initiate the process of outlawing trail hunting starting next year. Trail hunting involves following a laid-out scent trail instead of hunting real animals and was introduced as a substitute for fox hunting, which was prohibited by the Labour party in 2004.
Concerns raised by campaigners suggest that foxes still face brutal attacks by dogs during these hunts. The national police lead on illegal hunting, Devon and Cornwall’s assistant Chief Constable, Matt Longman, has pointed out that trail hunting is often a facade for illegal fox hunting. The government is now set to follow through on a ban within this parliamentary term, as part of its upcoming animal welfare strategy to be unveiled on Monday.
Animal Welfare Minister Baroness Hayman affirmed the government’s commitment to banning trail hunting due to evidence showing its misuse for hunting wild animals. Ministers will seek public input through a consultation to implement a complete ban in the coming year. Additionally, shooting hares in England is likely to be restricted for a significant portion of the year as part of these reforms.
The RSPCA Director of Advocacy and Prevention, Thomas Schultz-Jagow, lauded the efforts to end what he termed an “abhorrent and cruel bloodsport.” He stressed the need to stop the suffering of animals and the disruption caused to rural communities by these hunts.
Data from the League Against Cruel Sports revealed a significant number of illegal hunting incidents 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 eradicated for good and urged the government to tighten laws to prevent further loopholes and strengthen penalties for illegal hunting.
However, the Countryside Alliance objected to the proposed changes, arguing that trail hunting is a lawful activity that supports local economies and rural communities. They emphasized the need for the government to prioritize policies that benefit rural areas rather than divisive measures like the hunting ban.