Support for Boxing Day hunts reinforces need for repeal of the Hunting Act

Around 250,000 people are expected to turn out on Thursday 26 December for the Boxing Day meets of the 300 plus UK hunts.

Every year at least a quarter of a million people turn out to show their support for hunting on this traditional day in the country sports year.

Speaking ahead of the annual Boxing Day spectacle, Countryside Alliance executive chairman Barney White-Spunner said:

"Ten years after the Hunting Act was passed in England and Wales more than 300 hunts are still here and still hunting.

"Support for hunting is a strong as ever because people are determined not to bow to this prejudice. The Hunting Act does not protect foxes or other quarry species and has achieved nothing other than to waste hundreds of thousands of pounds of taxpayers' money and thousands of hours of police time.

"The next Government, of whatever political colour, needs to accept that the Hunting Act is not working and repeal or replace the Act."

Notes

Many of the hunt meets across the country are listed on the Masters of Foxhounds Association website: http://www.mfha.org.uk/

Hunting facts and figures
• Around 45,000 people regularly follow hunts
• More than 300 hunts are registered with members of the Council of Hunting Associations.
• At least 11,000 people are sustained by hunting – directly or indirectly, in jobs such as those of farriers, saddlers, vets and feed merchants
• Around 500 staff are employed full-time by hunts

For interviews, photo opportunities and further information, contact the Countryside Alliance head of media Charlotte Cooper on 0207 840 9220 and 07500 834163 or director of campaigns Tim Bonner on 07977 460811