Boxing Day hunts are on the brink of extinction as the government gears up to initiate a ban on trail hunting next year. Trail hunting involves following a laid scent instead of real animals and was introduced as a substitute for the outlawed fox hunting in 2004.
While campaigners have long highlighted the brutal consequences for foxes during hunts, with concerns raised about dogs causing harm, the police have pointed out that trail hunting is often a cover for illegal fox hunting. The Government is now poised to enforce the ban as part of its upcoming animal welfare strategy.
Animal Welfare Minister Baroness Hayman affirmed the government’s commitment to banning trail hunting, citing evidence that it is used to conceal the hunting of wild animals. Ministerial plans include seeking public input on implementing a complete ban in the coming year, with measures to prohibit hare shooting for a significant part of the year.
The RSPCA’s Director of Advocacy and Prevention, Thomas Schultz-Jagow, commended the steps taken to halt what he described as a “cruel bloodsport.” He emphasized the suffering endured by animals and communities due to trail hunts being misused for illegal hunting purposes since the Hunting Act of 2004.
The League Against Cruel Sports revealed alarming statistics showing an increase in illegal hunting incidents during the hunting season, including the pursuit and killing of foxes. The organization’s chief executive, Emma Slawinski, predicted the end of fox hunting and urged the government to strengthen the law to prosecute offenders more effectively.
In contrast, the Countryside Alliance criticized the proposed legal changes, labeling them unjustified and accusing the Labour party of fixating on hunting issues. The Alliance argued that trail hunting is a legitimate activity supporting rural economies, and called for a focus on policies benefiting rural communities instead of divisive hunting laws.