Downing Street has rebuked Nigel Farage for criticizing ministers as “authoritarian control freaks” in response to their proposal to outlaw trail hunting.
Trail hunting involves laying a scented path for the hunt to follow instead of pursuing real animals. It was introduced as an alternative to fox hunting, which was prohibited by Labour in 2004.
Concerns have been raised by campaigners that foxes are still being attacked by dogs during hunts, with some alleging that trail hunting is often a cover for illegal fox hunting.
Labour has pledged to ban this practice as part of its Animal Welfare Strategy, unveiled recently. However, both the Tories and Reform UK have strongly opposed this decision.
Mr. Farage, known for participating in Boxing Day hunts, criticized the government’s move as an attack on rural traditions, labeling ministers as “authoritarian control freaks.” In response, the Conservatives defended the rural way of life.
Downing Street dismissed the accusation of being control freaks, emphasizing that they are fulfilling their election promises with the new measures.
Animal welfare advocates have praised Labour’s Animal Welfare Strategy, which includes the ban on trail hunting. However, they express concerns about the lack of specific timelines for implementing these changes.
The government has presented a comprehensive set of policies aimed at enhancing the well-being of pets and animals in various environments. These policies include commitments to end cruel puppy farms, explore the prohibition of electric shock collars for pets, crackdown on dog attacks on livestock, and the ban on trail hunting.
Despite the absence of precise deadlines, the strategy aims to have all measures in place by the end of 2030. Consultations on trail hunting are expected to begin next year, with the government considering recommendations from Baroness Minette Batters’ review on farm profitability.
