Downing Street has issued a sharp rebuke to Reform UK leader Nigel Farage after he branded government ministers "authoritarian control freaks" over plans to outlaw trail hunting. The fiery exchange erupted following the unveiling of Labour's landmark Animal Welfare Strategy on 22 December 2025.
A Clash Over Countryside Traditions
The proposed ban on trail hunting, where hounds follow an artificial scent rather than a live fox, has become a flashpoint between the government and its critics. The practice was adopted after the hunting of live foxes with dogs was prohibited in 2004. However, campaigners and police have long argued that trail hunting is frequently used as "a smokescreen" for illegal fox hunting, a claim made by the national police lead on illegal hunting, Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman.
Mr Farage, a regular participant in Boxing Day hunt meets, launched a scathing attack on the policy. Meanwhile, the Conservative Party condemned the move as "yet another assault on the rural way of life". A spokesperson for the Prime Minister firmly rejected the "control freaks" characterisation, stating: "I reject that completely. On the central point of the announcement, we are meeting our manifesto commitment and setting out how we're doing that."
What's in the Animal Welfare Strategy?
The government's comprehensive strategy extends far beyond the hunting ban. The long-awaited policy package pledges to:
- End the cruel practice of puppy farming, where breeding dogs are kept in dire conditions.
- Investigate a ban on the use of electric shock collars for pets.
- Clamp down on dog attacks on farm animals.
- Formally prohibit trail hunting.
Animal welfare charities have broadly welcomed the strategy. Owen Sharp, chief executive of the Dogs Trust, hailed the plans but expressed concern over the lack of clear implementation deadlines. The strategy only sets an ambition to make progress by the end of 2030.
Timeline Concerns and Next Steps
The absence of a precise schedule has emerged as a key point of contention. Green MP Adrian Ramsay urged ministers to "set clear timescales" to ensure the strategy has real teeth. Downing Street confirmed that while a full timeline is not yet available, a public consultation specifically on the trail hunting ban will commence in the coming year.
The government also stated it will consider all recommendations from Baroness Minette Batters' ongoing review into farm profitability, indicating an attempt to balance animal welfare with the economic realities of rural communities. The debate sets the stage for a protracted political and cultural battle as the government seeks to deliver on its manifesto promises.
