The Countryside Alliance has organised a series of regional briefings for its members which are already underway and are being held across the country to discuss the future of hunting ahead of the general election. Being run in conjunction with the British Hound Sports Association (BHSA), hunting’s governing body, the meetings offer those attending the opportunity to hear from our Chief Executive, Tim Bonner, about the current political situation and the imminent threats to trail hunting and the countryside.
A briefing in North Yorkshire kicked off the nationwide tour on Wednesday 15 May, followed by the south eastern regional meeting which took place yesterday (22 May). With the announcement of the date of the general election on 4 July being revealed shortly before attendees gathered near Ardingly in West Sussex, the strong messaging from the Alliance and the BHSA emphasised how vital it is to retain social licence for all lawful hunting activities to prevent any incoming government from legislating to tighten the Hunting Act.
As part of these briefings, representatives from the BHSA are explaining the importance of taking responsibility for hunting’s future by maintaining high standards both on and off the hunting field, while Polly Portwin, the Alliance’s Director of the Campaign for Hunting, explains what hunts and hunt supporters can do to change the perception of our trail hunting activities to minimise the opportunities for potentially damaging legislation and how we can all take action to ensure that hunting with hounds can continue.
To register to attend one of the remaining meetings, which are open to members of the Countryside Alliance and the BHSA, please click here (numbers are strictly limited).
Tim Bonner, Chief Executive of the Alliance, said:
“Hunting has always benefitted from a united approach by the Alliance, the hunting community and the BHSA. That combined approach is more important than ever as we face a critical threat to hunting. Together we can ensure a future for hound, hunts and the countryside we love.”
Oliver Hughes, managing director of the BHSA, expressed the importance of the hunting organisations working together:
“The BHSA and the Countryside Alliance are working closely in the run up to the election with the joint aim of protecting hunting for future generations to enjoy.”
Those attending the regional briefings are being encouraged to sign up to take Action for Hunting and keep updated about our ongoing Campaign for Hunting ahead of the general election and to find out what they can do to help. Sign up here to take Action for Hunting.
Image credit: Hattie Austin Photography