Boxing Day hunts are on the verge of extinction as the government gears up to initiate a ban on trail hunting starting next year. Trail hunting, a practice where a scent trail is laid out for the hunt instead of using a real animal, was introduced as an alternative to fox hunting, which was outlawed by the Labour Party in 2004.
Concerns have been raised by campaigners over the continued harm inflicted on foxes by dogs during hunts. The national police lead on illegal hunting, Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman of Devon and Cornwall, has highlighted that trail hunting is often a cover for illegal fox hunting. The government is now poised to implement the ban, expected to be announced in this parliamentary session as part of its forthcoming animal welfare strategy.
Animal Welfare Minister Baroness Hayman affirmed the government’s commitment to banning trail hunting, citing evidence that it is being misused for the hunting of wild animals. Ministers are planning to solicit opinions on how to enforce a full ban in the coming year, with restrictions on shooting hares in England for most of the year also in the pipeline.
Thomas Schultz-Jagow, the RSPCA Director of Advocacy and Prevention, commended the efforts to halt what he termed as a “cruel bloodsport.” He highlighted the suffering endured by wildlife, pets, and horses during hunts and emphasized the challenges in enforcing the Hunting Act due to the misuse of trail hunting for illegal activities.
Figures from the League Against Cruel Sports revealed a rise in instances of illegal hunting, with an increase in the pursuit and killing of foxes during the hunting season. The organization’s chief executive, Emma Slawinski, expressed confidence that fox hunting would soon be eradicated for good, urging the government to strengthen the law to prosecute those engaging in illegal hunting practices.
In contrast, the Countryside Alliance criticized the proposed changes as unwarranted. The organization’s chief executive, Tim Bonner, argued that trail hunting is a legal practice supporting rural communities and creating employment opportunities. He called for a focus on policies that benefit rural areas instead of divisive measures targeting traditional activities.