Hunting with Dogs

I want to see more done to strengthen the Hunting Act 2004, to close the loopholes that allow people to break the law, and to consign hunting to the history books.

Until the law is strengthened, enforcement will remain difficult and trail hunting, by which hunts take place following a scent along pre-determined route, will continue to be used as a cover for illegal hunting.

I am troubled by the regular incidents of hounds causing chaos by running across roads while trail hunting, as well as the danger it brings to the dogs. If trail hunts are operated properly, they can be organised in a manner whereby there is no possibility of hounds ending up on the road. The routes should be properly planned, well away from such hazards. In cases of exempt hunting, hunts should have sufficient control over hounds to prevent them from unexpectedly marauding across and along roads.

I also believe we should ban the use of dogs to force wild mammals out from underground holes. It is not only cruel to the animal being flushed out but also to the dogs who risk being forced into dangerous confrontation. Of course, it is also a risk that it is used as a smokescreen for illegal hunting.

More broadly, in my view it is completely irresponsible for trail hunts to be allowed to take place on public land and it is a good decision that the National Trust has agreed to the motion passed by its members to ban trail hunting on its land. I also believe it should be banned on land owned by the Ministry of Defence.

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 strengthened.