Report calls for law that bans fox hunting to be tightened up

LEGISLATION: Lord Bonomy says doing so would make prosecutions easier

An expert report into fox hunting in Scotland has called for the legislation banning the controversial sport to be tightened up.

Lord Bonomy has recommended the introduction of hunt monitors to spot check meetings and bringing in a code of conduct for members.

The “unduly complicated” law banning the sport should be reformed to make prosecutions easier, according to the judge.

Under the present law, packs of dogs are used to flush foxes out of hides to be shot.

The Scottish Government will review his findings and with a possible view to amending existing legislation – introduced in 2002 – next year.

Scottish Green MSP Mark Ruskell welcomed the report, claiming the law “has never been fit for purpose”.

But Scottish Countryside Alliance director Jamie Stewart said the report had “rejected unjustified calls for further restrictions”.

Responding to the publication of the report the government’s environment secretary, Roseanna Cunningham, said: “The Scottish Government recognised concerns about whether the legislation on fox hunting is working properly – that is why we asked Lord Bonomy to carry out this detailed work.

“We will now carefully consider the findings, with a view to responding in 2017.

“Any ensuing proposals for legislative change will be subject to the proper consultation processes.”

But the Greens’ Mr Ruskell said the government “must act fast” to amend the legislation.

He added: “Current legislation has never been fit for purpose and those who value barbaric tradition over animal welfare and rule of law have found many loopholes to exploit.

“Lord Bonomy’s report is clear that changes are needed to introduce greater restriction and monitoring of hunting and that landowners should also be liable for breaches of the law.”

The Scottish Countryside Alliance’s Mr Stewart said the group would be happy to work with the SNP administration on the findings.

He said: “We are pleased that the inquiry has recognised the importance of gun packs for fox control and has rejected unjustified calls for further restrictions.

“In particular, we are pleased that Lord Bonomy, makes so clear the important role that gun packs play in managing the fox population and that any restriction on their activity could ‘seriously compromise effective pest control in the country’.”

Picture: PA. Under the present law, packs of dogs are used to flush foxes out of hides to be shot.