Downing Street has rebuked Nigel Farage for criticizing ministers as “authoritarian control freaks” regarding their proposal to prohibit trail hunting.
Trail hunting involves laying a scent for the hunt to follow instead of pursuing real animals, serving as a substitute for fox hunting, which was outlawed by the Labour Party in 2004.
Campaigners have long cautioned that foxes are still being brutally attacked by dogs during hunts, while senior police officials have alleged that trail hunting is often a cover for illegal fox hunting.
Labour has pledged to outlaw the inhumane practice as part of its Animal Welfare Strategy unveiled recently, sparking backlash from the Tories and Reform UK.
Mr. Farage, a frequent participant in Boxing Day hunts, condemned ministers as “authoritarian control freaks” over the policy, with the Conservatives decrying the move as an assault on rural traditions.
Downing Street refuted claims of being “control freaks,” emphasizing their commitment to fulfilling manifesto promises and outlining the strategy’s implementation.
Animal welfare advocates have lauded Labour’s comprehensive Animal Welfare Strategy, including the ban on trail hunting, but have expressed concerns about the absence of specific timelines for implementation.
The Government introduced a comprehensive set of policies to enhance the well-being of pets and animals in various settings, encompassing pledges to eradicate cruel puppy farms, investigate the prohibition of electric shock collars for pets, address dog attacks on farm animals, and ban trail hunting.
However, the strategy lacks a clear timeline for enacting these measures, with the goal set for completion by the end of 2030.
Owen Sharp, CEO of the Dogs Trust, welcomed the strategy but stressed the need for clear timelines to address urgent issues like puppy smuggling.
Green MP Adrian Ramsay urged ministers to establish definite timelines for phasing out crates and cages, supporting farmers during the transition, and ensuring imports meet UK standards.
No10 confirmed that while a precise timeline is unavailable, a consultation on trail hunting will commence next year. Additionally, the government will consider recommendations from Baroness Minette Batters’ review on farm profitability.