Dorset MP steps up pressure on government to end foxhunting
The MP for Poole is pushing to permanently end foxhunting by closing loopholes in the Hunting Act
The MP for Poole is ramping up pressure on the government to bring an end to foxhunting, warning that loopholes in the law continue to allow the practice to take place nearly two decades after it was banned.
Neil Duncan-Jordan is preparing to introduce a private member’s bill this year aimed at strengthening the Hunting Act and outlawing trail hunting.
It comes as critics say it’s used as a cover for illegal hunting with dogs, with many calling for tougher enforcement.
The Hunting Act, passed in 2004 and brought into force the following year, made it illegal to hunt wild mammals with dogs in England and Wales. However, hunts claim they now follow artificial scent trails rather than foxes.
Campaigners, including the parliament-based New Hunting Ban group, argue that evidence gathered by monitors, drones and hunt saboteurs shows foxhunting continues on a widespread scale.
Mr Duncan-Jordan says his own experience monitoring a hunt suggests trail hunting is a “fiction”.
Speaking to Greatest Hits Radio, he said: “Hounds were sent into bushes where no one could have laid a trail.
“Riders were positioned either side of woodland to spot any fox that made a run for it. Why would they do that if following a trail?”
Campaigners say hunts have caused disruption to households, businesses and even funerals, with reports of hounds entering private land and pets being killed.
Meanwhile, the national policing lead on Hunting with Hounds told a parliamentary briefing that prosecuting cases is “inherently difficult” and suggested trail hunting is often used as a “smokescreen”.
Mr Duncan-Jordan insists reform has broad public backing. “This isn’t fringe politics, this is mainstream animal welfare.
“People can enjoy riding in the countryside and owning dogs, but it doesn’t need to end with an animal being ripped to pieces.”
Labour previously pledged in its election manifesto to ban trail hunting, with campaigners now urging the government to act decisively.