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‘Everything to play for’: your last chance to have a say on proposed trail-hunting ban

Catherine Austen Catherine Austen

    • Supporters of trail-hunting and rural businesses whose trade would be affected by its loss are urged to reply to the Government’s consultation on the proposed ban before it closes on Thursday (18 June).

    The Future for Hunting campaign, a joint initiative between the Countryside Alliance and the British Hound Sports Association (BHSA) has put together a suggested response, completing which will also contact the respondent’s MP.

    Alliance director of hunting Polly Portwin told H&H: “This is a critical moment for everyone who values hunting, hounds and the communities that support them. In years to come, when we look back on this moment, each of us should be able to say that we played our part.

    “Before the consultation closes, ask yourself honestly: have I done everything I can to help protect hunting’s future?”

    Have your say

    Ms Portwin said it is crucial the Government understands the economic impact a ban would have on rural communities.

    Nessie Chanter, joint-master of the Heythrop, explained: “Our hunt alone has 112 suppliers whose business will be adversely affected by the proposed ban.

    “There are 293 farmers within our hunt country who will be affected by discounted fallen stock services, reduced hay and straw sales and free fence repair. There are 30 livery yards who would struggle to continue. That’s not to mention the vets, farriers, lorry mechanics, feed merchants, horse dentists and chiropractors who gain so much business from 150 individuals and 300 horses who hunt with the Heythrop.”

    Supporting businesses

    Mrs Chanter added that the Heythrop hunts three days a week and there is usually a meeting in a pub afterwards.

    “These pubs won’t see the level of support in the winter that they’re used to, not to mention the sense of community built around trail-hunting. There is so much good that transpires from the trail-hunting community in our area, from litter-picking to raising money for charity; on average, £16,000 to £18,000 per annum.”

    “It is clear that the rural community is being persecuted,” she added. “The Heythrop has 150 riding and 325 non-riding members, aged eight to over 80, from all walks of life, who have a reason to get out of their houses a few times a week and spend the day in the fresh air together.

    “The social interaction, exercise and feeling of belonging in our community, reflected across all hunts in England and Wales, improves mental health and wellbeing and would be impossible to replicate.

    “The layers of damage that a ban would cause have simply not been recognised by a Government with extraordinary priorities that seem intent on engaging in a battle, not just with trail-hunting, but with the countryside as a whole.”

    Trail-hunting ban consultation: timeline unknown

    It is unknown how quickly Defra will react to the consultation but Mrs Portwin said: “We’re confident that this is one of the largest, if not the largest, response Defra has had to any consultation. This is only the start of our campaign, which will very much be ongoing while we find out what the next steps are in terms of legislation.”

    Sam Butler, vice-chairman of Future for Hunting, added: “Momentum and recognition of the importance of our campaign is gathering. I’m seeing further and wider support from third parties and the realisation that this is about a much bigger picture.

    “This consultation is only part of the overall process of the campaign meeting its objectives and there is everything to play for – the threat facing farmers and every way of life in the countryside is very real.”

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