The briefing paper “Broken Countryside” calls for an independent body to review existing legislation, including the Hunting Act, to determine if it should be amended, repealed, or retained. The paper summarizes findings from the “Rural Wrongs” project, which investigated the impact of the 2004 Hunting Act on hunted species and rural communities. The authors aim to inform legislators about the negative consequences of the Act and stimulate debate on the issue.
The paper argues that the 2004 Hunting Act has caused extensive animal suffering and that a ban on trail-hunting, as proposed by the Labour Government, could have a negative impact on the rural economy and local communities. The authors believe that a trail-hunting ban would be more detrimental to rural life than the Hunting Act itself. They suggest a comprehensive review of wildlife legislation to address issues of cruelty and hound use in wildlife management.
The British Hound Sports Association supports the call for an independent review of wildlife legislation beyond the Hunting Act 2004. They advocate for a science-led review by the Law Commission to ensure animal welfare remains a priority while supporting effective wildlife legislation. The BHSA urges the Government to commit to an evidence-based review that benefits animal welfare, conservation, and countryside management.
