The long-standing tradition of Boxing Day hunts across the British countryside faces extinction as the government moves to outlaw trail hunting. Ministers are set to launch a formal consultation in the new year, with a full ban expected before the end of the current parliament.
Smokescreen for Illegal Hunting
Trail hunting, where hounds follow a pre-laid scent instead of a live animal, was established after the Labour government's 2004 ban on traditional fox hunting. However, campaigners and police have consistently argued that the practice is frequently used as a cover for the illegal pursuit and killing of foxes. Matt Longman, the national police lead on illegal hunting and Assistant Chief Constable for Devon and Cornwall, has stated that trail hunting is often a 'smokescreen' for illegal activities.
Animal Welfare Minister Baroness Hayman confirmed the government's commitment, stating: “In our manifesto we said we would ban trail hunting, and that’s exactly what we’ll do. There is evidence that trail hunting is being used as a smokescreen for the hunting of wild animals, and that’s not acceptable.”
Mounting Evidence of Harm
Animal rights organisations have welcomed the proposed ban, citing significant evidence of ongoing cruelty. The League Against Cruel Sports reported that the last hunting season saw 264 instances of illegal hunting, with 211 foxes reportedly pursued—a 10% increase—and 19 foxes confirmed or strongly suspected killed.
Thomas Schultz-Jagow, RSPCA Director of Advocacy and Prevention, described trail hunting as an 'abhorrent and cruel bloodsport'. He highlighted the suffering of wild animals, pets, and horses, alongside anti-social behaviour impacting rural communities. Emma Slawinski, chief executive of the League Against Cruel Sports, declared that fox hunting would soon be 'finished for good', urging the government to also close other loopholes in the Hunting Act 2004.
Rural Backlash and Next Steps
The proposed ban has been met with fierce opposition from rural groups. The Countryside Alliance has labelled the move 'completely unjustified', accusing the government of an 'obsession' with hunting. Tim Bonner, the alliance's chief executive, argued that trail hunting is a legal activity supporting hundreds of jobs and is central to many communities, and that the government should focus on policies that help rural areas thrive.
As part of a broader animal welfare strategy to be published imminently, the government is also expected to ban the shooting of hares in England for most of the year. The consultation on the trail hunting ban will seek views on the implementation of a full prohibition, setting the stage for a final parliamentary showdown over the future of the controversial countryside pursuit.
