Hands off the Hunting Act

Following years of tireless campaigning, hunting with dogs was banned in 2005.

But now there's a real threat that the ban on hunting with dogs – which includes fox hunting, hare coursing, stag hunting and mink hunting – could be overturned as the new coalition government has promised MPs a free vote on this issue.

How successful has the Hunting Act 2004 been?
Since it came into force and up until the end of 2009, 73 people were found guilty of offences under the Act. If you compare this to other pieces of wildlife legislation the Act has been very successful. For example, in 2007 there were 20 cases taken relating to the Badgers Act 1991, compared to 62 under the Hunting Act.

What would it mean if the Act was overturned?
The Hunting Act does not just prohibit traditional fox hunting – it also outlawed the activities of those who used terriers and lurchers to hunt foxes, deer, hares and mink. Repeal would not only give a green light to resuming hunting of foxes by dogs, but also deer hunting, hare hunting and hare coursing.

What has been the impact on rural communities since the ban was introduced?
Fox hunts have continued to meet in much the same way as before – the big difference is that hunts now follow an artificial scent rather than chase and kill a live fox. Pro-hunt organisation, the Countryside Alliance reported 300 hunts being out in force last Boxing Day – a far cry from the threats that the introduction of the Hunting Act would result in the loss of thousands of jobs and the destruction of dogs and horses.

Why should hunting with dogs remain illegal?
The practice of chasing and killing live animals with dogs, purely in the name of sport, is a barbaric and outdated pastime. Hunting wild animals with dogs became illegal in 2005, a move supported by the majority of the public. Recent polling showed that 75 per cent of people did not want fox hunting to be made legal again.