Downing Street rebuked Nigel Farage for criticizing ministers as “authoritarian control freaks” over their proposal to ban trail hunting.
Trail hunting involves following a laid-out scent trail instead of pursuing real animals, as a substitute for the banned fox hunting implemented by the Labour party in 2004.
Campaigners have long cautioned about foxes being injured by dogs during hunts, and there are claims that trail hunting is a cover for illegal fox hunting.
Labour has pledged to outlaw trail hunting as part of its Animal Welfare Strategy, which was revealed recently. However, the Tories and Reform UK have strongly opposed this decision.
Mr. Farage, known for participating in Boxing Day hunts, condemned the ministers for their stance on trail hunting, while the Conservatives criticized the move as an attack on rural traditions.
Downing Street refuted the accusation of being “control freaks,” emphasizing their commitment to fulfilling manifesto promises.
Campaigners have praised Labour’s Animal Welfare Strategy, including the trail hunting ban, but have raised concerns about the lack of specific timelines for implementing the changes.
The government has introduced a comprehensive set of policies to enhance animal welfare, including measures to address issues like cruel puppy farms, electric shock collars, dog attacks on farms, and the ban on trail hunting.
Despite the absence of clear deadlines, the government aims to have the strategy in place by the end of 2030.
Owen Sharp from the Dogs Trust welcomed the strategy but emphasized the need for swift implementation of certain measures, such as combating puppy smuggling.
Green MP Adrian Ramsay stressed the importance of setting clear timelines to phase out crates and cages and ensuring support for farmers during the transition.
No10 revealed plans to commence a consultation on trail hunting in the coming year and to consider recommendations from Baroness Minette Batters’ review on farm profitability.