Fox Hunting

I am therefore proud of the Hunting Act 2004 and am committed to defending and enhancing it.

As you know, a clear majority (85%) of British people support the ban on fox hunting and there is overwhelming support in both rural and urban areas for keeping the ban.

The Government said in its 2019 election manifesto that it would make no changes to the Hunting Act. The Prime Minister must ensure his majority is not used to allow the return of fox hunting, and I will hold the Government to account on its clear commitment not to amend the Hunting Act.

There have been around 500 successful prosecutions under this Act in England and Wales. Nevertheless, I am concerned that cuts to police forces and the lack of resource for the National Wildlife Crime Unit are having a clear impact on investigating and convicting those who break the law and take part in fox hunting.

I would like to see tough action against those who continue to conduct illegal fox hunts. I also believe we should look at ways to strengthen the law and close loopholes that allow for the illegal hunting of foxes, deer and hares to continue.

I would support a review of penalties under the Hunting Act 2004 to ensure it is an effective deterrent, including a consultation on the introduction of custodial sentences, bringing it in line with the penalties for other wildlife crimes.

I also support the introduction of a new ‘recklessness’ clause to prevent trail hunts being used as cover for
the illegal hunting of wild mammals. In addition, I would like to see the exemption for ‘research and observation’ removed, along with the exemption which allows the ‘use of dogs below ground to protect birds for shooting’.

I can assure you that I fully support the bans on fox hunting, deer hunting and hare coursing and will
continue to press at every possible opportunity for the existing legislation to be enhanced and strengthened.