A consultation to ban trail hunting
The Hunting Act was introduced in 2004 to end the cruel hunting of wild animals with dogs. Yet, more than two decades later, there is mounting evidence that this inhumane bloodsport hasn’t disappeared - it has simply gone underground, hidden behind the smokescreen of trail hunting.
Today, the government launched a consultation to ban trail hunting. With 81% of the UK population in favour of the existing ban on hunting of wild animals with dogs, it is about time that this loophole was closed. But there is strong opposition from some groups who oppose the ban.
What is trail hunting?
Trail hunting rose to popularity after the 2004 Act. In principle, it involves hounds following a pre-laid scent trail, such as urine or animal carcasses, rather than a live animal. Despite being legal, there is growing evidence that it is being used to continue illegal hunting activities. Hounds can pick up the scent of wild animals during the hunt and pursue them relentlessly. There are also cases of hunts crossing roads and railway lines, or entering private property - suggesting a trail has not in fact been laid. There have also been instances of hunts blocking nearby badger setts, to prevent fleeing foxes from seeking much-needed refuge.
This activity can cause severe harm - to wild animals, livestock, pets and the dogs involved - with animals such as foxes, hares or deer often pursued to the point of exhaustion and, if caught, suffering a violent and traumatic death.
Why do we support a ban?
Despite there being multiple convictions under the Hunting Act over the last twenty years, the enforcement of the Hunting Act is extremely challenging for authorities due to exemptions and loopholes in the current legislation. While the Act was a landmark piece of legislation, loopholes need to be closed if legislation is to be effective.
As part of the Time for Change Coalition, we have continued to campaign for a ban on trail hunting, the removal of legal loopholes that enable illegal hunting, and tougher penalties on those who break the law.
There is strong public support for a ban. In 2025, a YouGov poll found that 62% believe trail hunting should be illegal, while more than 100,000 people signed a petition calling for stronger fox hunting laws. Trail hunting has already been banned by major land managers, including the National Trust, Forestry England, and Natural Resource Wales, on their land.
Is a ban anti-countryside?
We are concerned only with animal welfare and ending any activity which causes animals pain and suffering in the name of ‘sport’. But we also recognise that some in rural communities worry about the impact of a ban on rural identity, jobs and local businesses. However, according to recent polling by YouGov, rural communities themselves are not as convinced that hunting still has a place. A majority (58%) believe that hunting is not important to the rural economy, compared to just 28% who do, and 51% believe that it isn’t socially important to rural communities, compared to 38% who do.
Communities shouldn’t have to choose. There are legal, humane alternatives which allow hunts the thrill of the chase, permits houndwork and protects the welfare of wildlife. Drag hunting lays an artificial scent, such as aniseed, over a pre-determined course for hounds to follow and clean boot hunting where a pack of hounds tracks the scent of a human runner along a planned route.
It has been more than 20 years since the landmark ban on hunting yet we continue to see wildlife suffer, being chased to exhaustion and killed by packs of hounds. We continue to see hunts flout the law, using it as a smokescreen to continue this illegal activity. The UK government made a manifesto commitment to ban trail hunting and with the strong support of the public, we now have the opportunity to finally consign this bloodsport to the history books.
Time For Change
Along with a ban on trail hunting, we, along with our partners in the Time For Change coalition, would like to see the Hunting Act amended to remove exemptions which enable illegal hunting to continue, the introduction of custodial sentences and stronger penalties for those who break the law.
It’s also important to consider what that ban will mean for the thousands of hounds currently used by hunts. Their welfare must be protected. Hunts need to ensure the welfare of hounds in the event of a ban on trail hunting. We will support rehoming organisations who may take hounds into their care with our welfare expertise, and help to ensure the welfare of the hounds is protected, in coalition with other NGOs working on this issue.
The government has announced a 12-week consultation into trail hunting. Animals lovers now have the chance to have their say and help end this cruel bloodsport for good.