Stephen Morgan backs trail hunting ban as consultation launched
Stephen Morgan MP has backed a ban on trail hunting, warning it has been used as a “smokescreen” for fox hunting.
The Government has launched a public consultation on how to take forward a ban on trail hunting in England and Wales.
Trail hunting is where hounds follow a pre-laid artificial scent across the countryside, mimicking traditional hunting. It became popular in the UK after the Hunting Act 2004 came into force, as an alternative to traditional fox hunting.
Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman, who leads on hunting for the National Police Chiefs’ Council, said the practice “gives people the opportunity to carry on hunting – as they always said they would when the ban came in 20 years ago”.
The nature of trail hunting makes it difficult to ensure wild animals are not placed in danger, as dogs can pick up the scent of live animals rather than the intended trail.
This can result in wild animals, including foxes and hares, being injured or killed and in some cases, domestic pets.
At the same time, the Government said it recognises that hunts can support jobs and local businesses, and bring communities together across the countryside.
Alternative practices such as drag hunting and clean boot hunting, which use non-animal scents, should remain unaffected.
Stephen Morgan, Labour MP for Portsmouth South said: “Labour’s Animal Welfare strategy outlines the most ambitious reforms to animal welfare in a generation – improving the lives of millions of animals across the UK.
“For too long, trail hunting has been used as a smokescreen and resulted in the hunting of wild animals with dogs. This Labour Government committed to banning trail hunting in our manifesto, and that’s what we will do.”
Baroness Sue Hayman, Animal Welfare Minister, said: “The nature of trail hunting makes it difficult to ensure wild and domestic animals are not put at risk of being killed or injured – that is clearly unacceptable.
“We understand that this is a complex issue and so we are seeking views from everyone with an interest to help shape how we bring this forward.”
The consultation will run until 18 June, and responses are welcomed from rural communities and all those with an interest.
Hampshire hosts a number of trail hunts, including the Hampshire Hunt, one of the oldest in the country, which meets in areas such as Alresford, Farleigh Wallop and Preston Candover.
Others include the Hursley Hambledon Hunt, which operates across south Hampshire, spanning from Petersfield to Salisbury.