Let’s finish what the Hunting Act started

For more than a century we’ve campaigned to end the cruelty of stag, hare, otter, mink and fox hunting. And 20 years ago, it seemed like we’d made a breakthrough: the Hunting Act 2004 banned the hunting of wild mammals with dogs.

But the ban didn’t work. The hunts didn’t stop.

Instead, they found ways around the law — exploiting loopholes and inventing the smokescreen of ‘trail’ hunting to continue killing wildlife for fun. Hunts claim to follow pre-laid trails laid with animal scent while in reality, they chase and kill wild animals just as they always have.

But now the public, and crucially the government, have seen through the ruse. A formal government consultation on banning trail hunting is on the horizon, but we know many have had the same question: why consult rather than just banning it outright?

Most major pieces of legislation begin with a consultation. It’s an essential legal step that allows the public and organisations to have their say — and it paves the way for stronger hunting laws.

This is a pivotal moment in our decades-long campaign to strengthen the Hunting Act. The upcoming consultation is the most powerful tool we have to influence the future of hunting laws. And it’s also your opportunity to demand a real, effective ban that protects our wildlife from harm.

The League  welcomes this opportunity, however we are clear: the consultation must go further than trail hunting alone. It must address the deep flaws in the Hunting Act that allow hunts to exploit legal loopholes to continue hunting, and prevent the invention of new excuses for illegal hunting. It must be broad enough to question how exemptions are abused, why prosecutions remain rare and to examine the currently limited consequences of breaking the law.

Public opinion on hunting is clear. Polling consistently shows a huge majority of people in the UK oppose hunting and want to see stronger protections for wildlife. This consultation is a direct result of that public pressure — and it must not be wasted. We know hunts will be very active in this consultation process, and as a result, we need to ensure that the vast majority of the public who back stronger hunting laws speak up too.

Together we will be at the forefront of this process, submitting evidence, highlighting illegal practices, and highlighting how the law needs to change. We’ll ensure the truth about illegal hunting is heard loud and clear. But we need your help. Pledge your support today to respond to the consultation when it launches. We will provide you with all the information you need to call for stronger hunting laws.

Pledge Here
When the consultation opens, we urge everyone who cares about animal welfare to get involved. Add your voice. Demand change.

Because this isn’t just another petition, another letter, another promise, this is our opportunity close the door on the hunting of wildlife with dogs for good.

Let’s finish what the Hunting Act started.