Enthusiasts hit back at new call to tighten laws
CROWDS GATHERED for traditional Boxing Day hunts as plans by Labour to impose stronger legislation on the events were criticised by organisers.
Hunt enthusiasts claimed thousands of people were involved in either taking part or lining the streets in support of the controversial activity.
The turnout demonstrated that “the future of hunting is secure”, according to the Countryside Alliance.
Protesters attended some of yesterday’s hunts, and online footage appeared to show scuffles breaking out. Gwent Police confirmed they attended a protest in Bassaleg, near Newport, but said there had been no arrests.
Shadow Environment Secretary Sue Hayman said yesterday a Labour Government could introduce custodial sentences for those who break hunting laws and close “loopholes” in legislation.
Grove and Rufford Hunt’s chairman Nick Alexander criticised Labour’s plans as the event returned to Bawtry, near Doncaster, a year after it was refused permission to meet in the town centre following the convictions of three people for hunting offences.
He said: “It just seems a bit bizarre that there’s lots of other things going on in the world at this time and, if that’s the priority, then someone needs to have a word.”
A Government spokeswoman said: “The Hunting Act 2004 makes it an offence to hunt a wild mammal with dogs and completely bans hare coursing.
“However, the Act also sets out tightly-drawn exemptions under which dogs may be used to hunt wild mammals, but these are subject to very strict conditions.”
In North Yorkshire, 300 people gathered for a hunt in Bedale.
Hunt Chairman Robert McKenzie-Johnson said: “It’s a community event. We do it quite within the law and people like to be there to support it.
“I would say all sorts of different people come to hunts now. It’s much more mixed socially than it ever has been.”
A poll commissioned by the League Against Cruel Sports found only one in six rural residents believe hunting with dogs reflects countryside values.
Chris Luffingham, the group’s director of campaigns, said: “This polling confirms that we are a nation of animal lovers and that hunting needs to be consigned to history.”