Downing Street rebuked Nigel Farage for criticizing ministers as “authoritarian control freaks” regarding their proposal to prohibit trail hunting, a practice where a predefined scent is used for hunting instead of real animals, initially implemented as a substitute for fox hunting, which was outlawed by the Labour Party in 2004.
Concerns have been raised by activists that foxes still face harm from dogs during these hunts, while trail hunting is often a facade for illegal fox hunting, as indicated by Devon and Cornwall’s Assistant Chief Constable, Matt Longman. Labour has pledged to outlaw trail hunting as part of its Animal Welfare Strategy, unveiled recently, sparking opposition from the Tories and Reform UK.
In response to criticism, Downing Street dismissed accusations of being “control freaks,” emphasizing that they are fulfilling their manifesto commitment with the announcement. Campaigners have praised Labour’s Animal Welfare Strategy, including the ban on trail hunting, but have highlighted the absence of specific deadlines for implementing the changes.
The government introduced a comprehensive set of policies aimed at enhancing animal welfare on farms and in the wild, encompassing commitments to end cruel puppy farms, consider banning electric shock collars for pets, address dog attacks on farm animals, and prohibit trail hunting. However, the strategy lacks a clear timeline for enacting these measures, only aiming to have them in effect by the end of 2030.
Owen Sharp, CEO of the Dogs Trust, supported the strategy but stressed the importance of prompt implementation for certain measures, such as combatting puppy smuggling. Green MP Adrian Ramsay emphasized the need for the strategy to be robust in delivering for animals, urging ministers to establish clear timelines for phasing out crates and cages and supporting farmers through the transition.
No10 disclosed that while there is no specific timeline in place, a consultation on trail hunting will commence next year. Additionally, the government will consider all recommendations from Baroness Minette Batters’ review on farm profitability.