Report: A Case for a Proper Ban on Hunting
Protect the Wild’s second annual analysis of hunting and why we argue for a total ban on hunting with hounds
An extensive research project into the observations and findings of hunt saboteur and monitor groups during the 2023/2024 hunting season.
Executive Summary:
Our report, titled A Case for a Proper Ban on Hunting, offers a thorough examination of hunting practices during the 2023/24 season. It focuses on fox, hare, and deer hunting with hounds in England and Wales.
The report utilised a combination of data from anti-hunting groups, public reports, and activist observations to evaluate the prevalence and impact of hunting on wildlife, communities, and individuals.
And it examined policing and shortcomings in existing legislation, going on to propose recommendations for a more robust legal framework to properly ban the hunting of mammals with dogs.
Key Findings:
The report reveals alarming findings, including:
- Widespread hunting of foxes, deer, and hares despite the Hunting Act 2004 legislation.
- Despite legislative strides, the Hunting Act has failed to eradicate wildlife persecution, with many hunts persisting in illegal practices nearly two decades after the ban.
- Matt Longman, the Police Chiefs’ Council lead on hunting, contends that trail hunting serves as a smokescreen for illegal fox hunting, exploiting loopholes in the Hunting Act and undermining its enforcement.
- The financial burden of policing hunting events is significant, exemplified by the £14,322 spent on policing the Kent Hounds’ Boxing Day parade, highlighting the costs involved in managing these activities.
- Gloucestershire Police stands out for its active response to hunting-related incidents, issuing fines and taking decisive actions during operations, contrasting with reported instances of inadequate response in other regions.
- Violence associated with hunts remains a concern, with documented cases of physical assaults on anti-hunting activists, highlighting safety risks and community tensions exacerbated by these activities.
- Traffic offences and road havoc are widespread within the hunting industry, with quad bikes following the hunt regularly seen with more passengers than they’re legally allowed to carry on a public road as well as missing front and rear number plates.
- A significant portion of hunts remained unobserved, potentially leading to higher fox-chasing and killing incidents than reported.
- The impact of trail hunting, despite purported regulatory frameworks, includes instances where hounds inadvertently or intentionally chase live quarry, raising questions about the effectiveness of
current oversight. The very presence of packs of hounds in the countryside is a threat to wildlife even if not actively hunting.
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Key Numbers:
Key statistics from the report include:
- 335 foxes seen pursued by one or more hounds
- 19,048 hunting days calculated for the 2023/24 season.
- 44.81% of monitored/sabotaged hunts saw an incident of some kind (violence, hunting of wildlife, anti-social behaviour, trespass etc)
- 124 instances of sett interferences
- 255 instances of hunt violence were perpetrated – 239 minor attacks and 16 major attacks.
- 327 reported traffic offenses
- 150 deer chased by hunts throughout the season
- 26 deer killed by hunts
- 351 police vehicles attended hunting activities in the 2023/24 season.
- 99 cases of non quarry animals being chased or killed
Critical observations and trends
The report emphasises that despite existing legal frameworks, hunting practices exploit loopholes and gaps in legislation. Acts of violence against activists are recurrent, creating a hostile environment inhibiting accountability. The report urges for stricter regulations, proposing a comprehensive ‘Hunting of Mammals Bill’ to address these issues.
Recommendations
The proposed legislation aims to remove all loopholes, acting as a watertight ban on all hunting with hounds. Recommendations include a ban on ‘trail hunting,’ increased liability for landowners, enhanced ‘search and seizure’ powers, and ensuring hunting groups are held accountable.
Conclusion
The report concludes by urging policymakers to consider these critical insights and support the Hunting of Mammals Bill as the most effective way to properly ban all hunting with dogs.
Robert Pownall, CEO of Protect the Wild, emphasises:
“The evidence is there for all to see. Don’t be fooled by the laughable ‘National Trail Hunting Day’. The hunts are very much still at it and until this govt works to bring about legislative change then we will continue to see the illegal persecution of wildlife across the country. It’s time for a new proper ban on hunting with hounds.
To read the full report download the PDF here or click the image.
| SPECIAL ACKNOWLEDGEMENT This report wouldn’t have been possible without the courageous monitors and saboteurs out in the field standing up to the hunts. Their tireless work throughout the hunting season and their dedication in writing reports on their experiences continues to be absolutely vital. Without direct action the public cannot be shown what really goes on in the British countryside. To thank the brave sabs and monitors who witnessed all of this first hand, please consider supporting your local hunt saboteur or monitor group. |
