Scottish Countryside Alliance welcomes publication of Bonomy Review into hunting with dogs

The Countryside Alliance has welcomed the publication of the Bonomy Review into the Protection of Wild Mammals (Scotland) Act 2002 which deals with hunting with dogs, published today.

Scottish Countryside Alliance Director Jamie Stewart, said:

"We are pleased that the inquiry has recognised the importance of gun packs for fox control and has rejected unjustified calls for further restrictions.

"In particular, we are pleased that Lord Bonomy makes so clear the important role that gun packs play in managing the fox population and that any restriction on their activity could "seriously compromise effective pest control in the country".

"Whilst we do not agree that there is a significant problem with the enforcement of the current legislation, and note that as recently as 13th January 2016 Police Scotland confirmed to MSPs that there 'is no evidence to suggest that the mounted fox hunts that exist are acting outwith the legislation that is in place at the moment', gun packs have always been very happy to work closely with the authorities. We therefore look forward to working with statutory bodies in the development of a separate code of practice for hunting activities as recommend by the inquiry.

"Given the recognition in the report of the importance of the use of gun packs in fox control it is vitally important that any changes to the legislation should not undermine their operation. Any such changes to the law should facilitate a return to the settled and agreed position that had been in place since the Act was passed in 2002."

For further information, contact Tom Hunt: [email protected] , 0207 840 9220