Boxing Day hunts are facing extinction as plans to outlaw trail hunting are underway for next year. Trail hunting involves following a laid-out scent instead of real animals and was introduced as a substitute for the banned fox hunting by the Labour party in 2004.
Critics have long highlighted instances where foxes are still being attacked by dogs during hunts, despite the use of trail hunting as a cover for illegal activities. The government is now poised to implement the ban, part of its upcoming animal welfare strategy to be unveiled soon.
Animal Welfare Minister Baroness Hayman affirmed the government’s commitment to banning trail hunting due to its misuse for hunting wild animals. Plans for a comprehensive ban will be sought through a consultation in the coming year, with hare shooting in England also expected to be restricted for most of the year.
RSPCA Director of Advocacy and Prevention Thomas Schultz-Jagow commended the efforts to end the cruel practices of hunting. He emphasized the suffering inflicted on animals during hunts and the challenges in enforcing existing laws.
Figures from the League Against Cruel Sports revealed a rise in illegal hunting incidents, with a significant number of foxes being targeted and killed during the hunting season. The organization’s chief executive, Emma Slawinski, expressed confidence that fox hunting would soon be a thing of the past and urged for stronger legal measures to prevent further animal cruelty.
However, the Countryside Alliance opposed the proposed changes, arguing that trail hunting is a legitimate activity supporting rural communities and jobs. They criticized what they perceive as baseless allegations against hunts and called for the government to focus on rural development instead of divisive policies.
Overall, the imminent ban on trail hunting signals a significant shift in the landscape of hunting practices, with various stakeholders expressing contrasting views on the government’s approach to animal welfare issues.