The UK government has announced plans to ban trail hunting, a practice where hounds follow an artificial scent trail rather than chase live foxes, to prevent it being used as a cover for illegal foxhunting. This move, part of a broader animal welfare strategy and a Labour manifesto pledge, aims to address concerns that trail hunting is often a smokescreen for actual fox hunting, which remains illegal under the Hunting Act 2004. The ban raises uncertainty for around 170 hunt packs in England and Wales, some of which are considering switching to drag hunting, where no animals are chased. Critics, including hunt saboteurs and animal welfare groups, argue that trail hunting frequently results in the illegal killing of foxes and that a ban is necessary to close loopholes and end cruelty.

Hunting organizations like the British Hound Sports Association (BHSA) and the Countryside Alliance oppose the ban, emphasizing trail hunting’s legality and its cultural and economic importance to rural communities. The BHSA has recently taken steps to improve hunting’s image, such as excluding terrier men from trail hunting days, but maintains that hunts comply with the law. Meanwhile, opponents fear some hunts may continue illegally or go underground if the ban is enforced. The government plans a public consultation on the ban early next year, with animal welfare advocates calling for stronger measures to protect wildlife and end what they see as ongoing illegal hunting disguised as trail hunting.