Support for hunting strong at Scotland's New Year's Day meets

As Lord Bonomy prepares to review the legislative framework of the Protection of Wild Mammals (Scotland) Act 2002, hundreds of people will line the streets and market places of rural Scotland on Friday the 1 January to show their support for hunting at the New Year's Day meets.

This annual event is an opportunity for Scotland's mounted foxhound packs hunts to accept the thanks from those they support, from the farmers and landowners on whose land they protect livestock, game and other ground nesting birds, and to thank their subscribers and the public for their on-going support. This support is contrary to the League Against Cruel Sports' suggestions of "public concerns of illegal practices".

Countryside Alliance director for Scotland, Jamie Stewart, said: "The support the foxhound packs receive from local communities is demonstrable and is absolutely fantastic. Nothing beats hearing the cheers and claps as the packs ride into the square or the centre of the village and seeing the hundreds of people who have turned out to see them. This is the day when we get to thank the hunts for the vital service they provide and offer our continuing support , ahead of what looks like an unwarranted review based on unfound allegations of illegal practices."

Announced by Scotland Environment Minister Aileen McLeod on the 26 December, Lord Bonomy will lead the review will look at whether current legislation is providing the necessary level of protection for foxes and other wild mammals while allowing for the effective and humane control of these animals where required.
The review will begin in January 2016 and written evidence will be accepted from the 1 February to the end of March.

Recent polling by the Countryside Alliance has shown that Scots feel the current legislation covering hunting in Scotland is working well¹- http://www.countryside-alliance.org/polling-shows-scottish-public-happy-hunting-legislation/

Although we believe the review is unnecessary, we will work with Lord Bonomy and his team throughout the process.

"I am sure everyone with an interest in the protection of wild mammals will want to engage with Lord Bonomy, and I would encourage them to do so," added Mr Stewart.

For more information, contact the Scottish Countryside Alliance on 01890 818554 or email [email protected]

Notes for journalists

• ¹The You Gov polling can be found here - https://d25d2506sfb94s.cloudfront.net/cumulus_uploads/document/s2w409guix/CountrysideAlliance_Scotland_Results_151221_Foxhunting_Website.pdf