What next for our hunts and hounds?

In this article from My Countryside magazine, Polly Portwin looks at how the hunting community can secure a future for packs of hounds after the new government’s manifesto commitment to ‘ban trail hunting’.

Reminding ourselves of hunting’s resilience is critical as we look to find a way forward when faced with a party now in government that is committed to legislating on hunting again. Despite enormous challenges in its history, including wars, pandemics, increasing urbanisation and, not least, the Hunting Act, hunting has always adapted to survive. Whatever we are faced with, we can – and will – find a way to protect our hounds, hunts and way of life. 

It would be wrong to deny that there aren’t questions currently being asked in hunting circles about its long-term prospects, including: “What next?” or “How long have we got?”. 

These concerns are understandable, particularly when there are jobs and homes at stake and the future of packs of hounds to consider. The specifics of any proposed legislation and the timing of that are not yet entirely clear though, other than there is a government manifesto commitment to “ban trail hunting”. 

Whether there will be attempts to further strengthen the Hunting Act as was anticipated by hunting’s opponents at the League Against Cruel Sports, is not known either. 

The manifesto commitment was perhaps, thankfully, not as broad as they had anticipated which we know has caused ripples through their ranks. 

Aside from banning trail hunting, the current proposals in terms of what other legislative changes we could face include: 

• the addition of a recklessness cause so that it is an offence to deliberately or recklessly pursue a wild mammal with dogs; 
• the increase of penalties to include a custodial sentence, similar perhaps, to those in the Badgers Act; 
• banning the hunting of animal-based scents. 

These proposals are unjustified and would be unhelpful to everyone other than those looking to make spurious allegations against hunts. In our judgment, they would mean that hunting could survive in a recognisable form. It is, however, a racing certainty that once legislation is introduced there will be amendments laid to make it nearly impossible to take any pack of hounds into the countryside. Amendments could also be moved to remove exemptions such as that for terrier work. The likelihood of such amendments being successful will increase if hunts do not show they are operating legally, and/or carry out activities which bring hunting into disrepute. 

It is worth noting that the original Hunting Bill introduced in 2002 was a Bill to license hunting, not ban it, but Labour backbench MPs amended it to create a ban and the then-government did not stand in their way. 

Concerted effort required 

What we do know is that there is still all to play for and there is no time to waste if we are to protect all that so many hold dear. So, what can “Hunting Plc” do to protect its way of life and secure a future for our hounds, while providing homes and jobs for hunt staff? 

Firstly, and most importantly, hunts must continue to openly demonstrate that trail hunting is a lawfully conducted and well-regulated, legitimate activity which doesn’t require further legislation. Last year our Chairman, Nick Herbert, warned those attending a briefing in Westminster that: “How trail hunting is conducted and perceived will be reflected in future legislation so we must take action now to persuade politicians there is no case to strengthen the law.” 

A similar message about changing the perception of hunting activities has been conveyed at a series of regional briefings over the past two months hosted by the Alliance, in conjunction with the British Hound Sports Association (BHSA). William Astor, chairman of the BHSA, hunting’s governing body, spoke of this at the organisation’s AGM recently too, stating: “What we have to do is show, and indeed prove, to the government, MPs, the police and the public, that both trail hunting and exempt hunting are properly conducted and well-regulated legal sports.” 

A date for your diary is the BHSA’s National Trail Hunting Day which will take place on 14 September. Newly elected MPs, the police, media and the public will be invited by the BHSA to attend each of the 30 different venues across the country where a trail hunting meet is being hosted. The BHSA’s aim is for this to create a greater understanding of what trail hunting involves and why it plays an important role in today’s society. Hunt supporters are encouraged to support meets being held in their area on this day too, offering them an opportunity to meet up with friends from surrounding hunts and appreciate the network created by the hunting community. 

Whilst the start of the season is always a busy time, with focus rightly on the new entry and ensuring they are prepared for the season ahead, the trail hunting day should be the launchpad for a concerted effort by hunt staff, masters and hunt supporters of both foot and mounted packs to showcase our lawful hunting activities this season and beyond, to help change the perception that not all hunts are operating lawfully. 

Increase positive PR 

Twenty-plus years ago, before the Hunting Act became law, hunts engaged in a variety of initiatives including taking hounds to towns, inviting councillors, villagers and local schoolchildren, the Women’s Institute, Young Farmers’ Clubs and the Pony Club to kennels to see what goes on behind the scenes. Many hunts continue to forge similar relationships and appreciate the value of the effort taken, but more can be done by every hunt to utilise myriad opportunities to engage with the public, media, stakeholders and decision-makers. Creating positive PR and reducing negative publicity has always been and remains essential. Sharing press releases and posting on social media about the great work that hunts have been carrying out, such as raising funds for charity or assisting people in their community helps to reach out beyond our own network. Hound parades or displays at county shows, point-to-points, village fetes or other public events are ideal for explaining – or even demonstrating – how trail hunting is conducted in accordance with the law and how animal welfare is a priority for our hounds and horses. 

Public events are our chance to convey our enthusiasm for what we do and show that we are part of a welcoming community. We can explain how we respect hunting’s heritage but have adapted our activities to fit into modern society while taking part in lawful activities that are good for physical and mental wellbeing. Trail hunting is accessible to those of all ages and from any background, but not everyone knows that. It is important therefore, that we as hunting’s ambassadors, raise awareness of this and promote our lawful activities whenever possible. 

The Alliance is ready for what lies ahead and there is no doubt that we are facing a challenging period, but it is within our power to protect hunting’s infrastructure to ensure we can continue to follow hounds for years to come. As our chief executive, Tim Bonner said, just hours after the new government was elected: “There is a clear path towards a sustainable future for hounds, hunts and our community, but we must show at every opportunity that hunts are operating legally and legitimately. Anything else will fuel the inevitable campaign to strengthen the Hunting Act to eliminate hunting entirely.” We cannot let that happen.