Thank you to those constituents who have contacted me about the application of the Hunting Act 2004 and opposing the Labour Government’s proposals to ban trial hunting which is lawful within that Act. I do appreciate this remains a highly emotive issue and I know the vast majority of us, especially in rural areas like my East Grinstead and Uckfield constituency, do support high standards of animal welfare and have great concern for our wildlife on both sides of this issue.
As many of you know, under the Hunting Act 2004, it is an offence to hunt a wild mammal with dogs except where it is carried out in accordance with the exemptions in the Act. The investigation and prosecution of all criminal offences, including consideration of whether an actual offence has been committed, are matters for the police and Crown Prosecution Service, who have comprehensive powers to take action under criminal law. Trail hunting is now a long-established and humane alternative to fox hunting. As a result of the Hunting Act 2004, hunts adapted and adopted trail hunting which involves a pack of hounds following an artificially laid scent. It does not permit a hunt for a live fox and is therefore lawful. As with any other criminal offence, those who break the law should be investigated and prosecuted.
This legislation has been working for over two decades with thousands of days of lawful hunting activity since the Hunting Act was enforced. Since 2010 alone, there have been 744 prosecutions under the Act leading to 416 convictions, however, it is really important to note the vast bulk of those convictions do not relate to registered hunts. I am very clear if people are breaking the law, then they should be dealt with. However, it is not hyperbole to suggest this proposed ban is rather like suggesting that because some people break the speed limit, all driving should be banned!
On the rare occasion when dogs used for trail hunting may pick up and follow the scent of live foxes, it is the clear responsibility of the huntsmen and women and other members of the hunt staff to control their hounds and, if necessary, stop the hounds as soon as they are made aware that the hounds are no longer following the trail that has been laid. Failure to prevent dogs from chasing or killing a fox may be taken as intent to break the law. Anyone who believes that an offence has taken place should report the matter to the police.
For those concerned about hunt saboteurs, it is important to remember that peaceful protest is a vital part of a democratic society. As such, it is a long-standing tradition in this country that people are free to gather and demonstrate their views, provided they do so within the law. Therefore, I agree that the Government should support local police forces in stopping any form of criminal activity by these individuals and groups, and where it occurs, the perpetrators should also be held to account.
My thoughts
Our countryside makes up over 90 percent of our land and adds £300 billion to the UK economy thanks to the hard work and dedication of the 10 and half million people who calls this their home. For many living in rural areas, trail hunting is a greatly enjoyed, recreational, community-based way of retaining their long-held traditions as a part of the fabric of rural life, which is in full compliance with the law.
I am aware a number of constituents have very understandable concerns that banning trail hunting would have far reaching and, perhaps unintended consequences on both the rural economy and on rural communities which may not be fully appreciated. I understand that trail hunting sits at the heart of a web of businesses that supply the hunt and those that support and follow trail hunting, including publicans, charities, farriers, saddlers, vets and feed merchants amongst other ancillary businesses and I am very concerned this, once again, shows the Labour Government does not properly understand the interconnectedness of the rural economy, the value of rural communities, their pastimes and their culture. Amid a cost-of-living crisis, rising unemployment and taxes increasing to the highest on record, I find it frankly absurd that the Government is prioritising a ban on trail hunting over tackling the issues that are affecting everyone’s day to day lives.
I believe the Government should instead prioritise cutting taxes on rural businesses, axing the Family Farm Tax and supporting rural communities. It is vital we protect independent rural livelihoods, support environmental stewardship and defend lawful activities that support the direct and indirect employment of thousands of people across the UK. Rural communities are the backbone of Britain and they must receive the support and attention they deserve. The attacks on the countryside, rural communities and the rural way of life must stop.
Sadly, the reason for this announcement is the Prime Minister's continuing weak leadership. It is a clear political attempt to pacify his unruly and activist backbenchers and keep his job at the expense of the rural way of life, including here in Sussex. I can assure my constituents that my colleagues and I in the Conservative Party want to see, and will support, a vibrant, thriving countryside with freedoms to enjoy and celebrate long-held rural traditions and pastimes, enhanced by a prospering community with a richly biodiverse environment
You may also be interested in reading this statement:
Mims Davies MP Statement on the Proposed Firearms Licensing Reform | Mims Davies
