Thank you for contacting me about the Government’s proposals to impose a ban on trail hunting and for sharing your views with me.
Under the Hunting Act 2004, it is an offence to hunt a wild mammal with dogs except where it is carried out in accordance with the exemptions in the Act. The investigation and prosecution of all criminal offences, including consideration of whether an actual offence has been committed, are matters for the police and Crown Prosecution Service, who have comprehensive powers to take action under criminal law.
Trail hunting is long-established, and was specifically permitted by the previous Labour Government under the Hunting Act 2004 as a humane alternative to fox hunting. It does not permit a hunt for a live fox, and is therefore lawful.
As with any other criminal offence, those who break the law should be investigated and prosecuted, but in the midst of a cost of living crisis, rising unemployment and taxes increasing to the highest on record, it is absurd that the Government is prioritising a ban on trail hunting over tackling these issues that affect everyone’s day to day lives. The Government should instead prioritise cutting taxes on rural businesses, removing the Family Farm Tax and supporting rural communities.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.
