Boxing Day hunts are on the verge of extinction as the process to outlaw trail hunting is expected to kick off next year. Trail hunting involves laying a scented trail for hounds to follow instead of pursuing real animals, serving as a substitute for the banned fox hunting since 2004.
Critics have long cautioned that foxes often fall victim to dogs during hunts, with trail hunting frequently being a cover for illegal fox hunting. The Government is poised to fulfill its promise of banning trail hunting, slated to be included in its upcoming animal welfare strategy to be unveiled on Monday.
Animal Welfare Minister Baroness Hayman affirmed the commitment to banning trail hunting, citing concerns that it is being misused for hunting wild animals illicitly. The government plans to gather opinions through a consultation to enforce a comprehensive ban in the coming year. Additionally, shooting hares in England will likely be restricted for a significant portion of the year.
The RSPCA’s Director of Advocacy and Prevention, Thomas Schultz-Jagow, commended the steps taken to halt what he termed as a “cruel bloodsport.” He emphasized the suffering endured by animals during hunts and the challenges in enforcing the Hunting Act since its inception in 2004.
The League Against Cruel Sports reported a rise in instances of illegal hunting during the hunting season, with a notable increase in the pursuit and killing of foxes. Emma Slawinski, the organization’s chief executive, expressed confidence that fox hunting will soon be eradicated for good and urged for stronger legal measures to prosecute offenders.
Conversely, the Countryside Alliance criticized the proposed changes, labeling them unjustified and attributing them to Labour’s alleged fixation on hunting. Tim Bonner, the organization’s chief executive, defended trail hunting as a legitimate activity supporting rural economies, urging the government to focus on more pressing issues impacting rural communities.
