The Government’s decision to prohibit trail hunting has triggered strong reactions from the Conservative Party and Reform UK. Campaigners have persistently highlighted the brutal treatment of foxes by dogs during hunts, with concerns raised by the national police about illegal fox hunting disguised as trail hunting. The ban on trail hunting, expected to be implemented in this parliamentary term, is part of the upcoming animal welfare strategy to be unveiled on Monday.
Trail hunting involves following a laid-out scent instead of hunting real animals, introduced as a substitute for fox hunting banned by the Labour Party in 2004. The animal welfare strategy, released this week, also includes measures to ban snare traps and establish a closed hunting season for hares.
Criticism of the ban has come from the Tories and Reform UK, with Nigel Farage labeling ministers as “authoritarian control freaks” and the Conservatives denouncing the move as an attack on rural traditions. Downing Street refuted claims of being controlling, emphasizing that the ban aligns with the government’s manifesto commitments.
Praising the Animal Welfare Strategy, campaigners have expressed concerns about the absence of specific timelines for implementing the changes. The strategy, launched on Monday, also outlines plans to combat puppy smuggling and prohibit electric shock collars for pets.
Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds emphasized the UK’s love for animals and the government’s commitment to delivering a comprehensive animal welfare strategy, aiming to enhance welfare standards across different animal environments. The strategy includes proposed bans on caged hens, snare traps, trail hunting, and unethical dog breeding practices.
The RSPCA’s director of advocacy and prevention, Thomas Schultz-Jagow, hailed the government’s new animal welfare strategy as a significant advancement that could enhance the lives of numerous animals. He highlighted the need for a shift in how animals are perceived and treated, commending the strategy’s strong focus on animal welfare and expressing eagerness to collaborate further with the government to safeguard animal rights.