Downing Street has rebuked Nigel Farage for criticizing ministers as “authoritarian control freaks” regarding their proposal to prohibit trail hunting.
Trail hunting involves laying a scent for the hunt to pursue instead of targeting real animals, and it was introduced as a substitute for fox hunting, which the Labour party banned in 2004.
Concerns have been raised by campaigners that foxes are still being mauled by dogs during hunts, and Devon and Cornwall’s assistant Chief Constable, Matt Longman, has stated that trail hunting is often a cover for illegal fox hunting.
Labour has promised to outlaw this cruel practice as part of its Animal Welfare Strategy, announced recently. However, the Tories and Reform UK have strongly opposed this decision.
Mr. Farage, a participant in Boxing Day hunts, criticized ministers for their stance, while the Conservatives viewed the ban as an attack on rural traditions.
Downing Street refuted claims of being “control freaks” and emphasized fulfilling their manifesto pledge through the announcement.
Animal welfare advocates have praised Labour’s comprehensive Animal Welfare Strategy for its ban on trail hunting but expressed concerns over the absence of specific deadlines for implementing the changes.
The Government revealed a set of initiatives aimed at enhancing animal welfare across various settings, including ending cruel puppy farms, evaluating the prohibition of electric shock collars for pets, addressing dog attacks on farm animals, and banning trail hunting.
However, the strategy lacks a clear timeline for executing the outlined measures, only committing to having the strategy operational by the conclusion of 2030.
Owen Sharp, CEO of the Dogs Trust, commended the strategy but urged for prompt implementation of crucial measures, such as combating puppy smuggling under the Animal Welfare Bill.
Green MP Adrian Ramsay emphasized the importance of setting definite timelines within the Animal Welfare Strategy to ensure effective outcomes for animals.
No10 disclosed that while no precise timeline exists, a consultation on trail hunting will commence next year, and the Government will review all recommendations from Baroness Minette Batters’ assessment on farm profitability.