As I sit here in December 2024, I recall that it has been 20 years since Royal Assent was given to the Hunting Act 2004. The Act, designed to criminalise certain forms of hunting of wild animals with dogs in England and Wales, also includes specific offences relating to hare coursing. Twenty years on, I reflect on where we are today.
Over the years, there have been numerous attempts to ban hunting and, indeed, hare coursing. However, all of these have been unsuccessful. The current Hunting Act, finally introduced by the then Labour administration in 2004, came into effect in early 2005.
Ever since the Hunting Act 2004 gained Royal Assent, there has been constant opposition, predominantly by those who see hunting as a sport as opposed to what it is: a cruel, unnecessary pastime.
Many hunting supporters claimed they would ignore the ban and continue to hunt. Sadly, these claims became true. Irrespective of the time of year, weather and ground conditions, hundreds of those who opposed the ban relentlessly continue the pursuit of innocent wildlife. Why? Because they know the law is so vague, open to interpretation and incredibly hard to prove some aspects of the legislation for a successful prosecution.
Illegal fox hunting, hare coursing and deer poaching are still activities that continue with almost free reign and all too frequently across England and Wales despite all being illegal.
What are the next steps to end hunting and wildlife crime?
The new Labour government is in the ideal position to end this ambiguity by addressing the current legislation’s ‘loopholes and ‘grey’ areas.
Law enforcement, investigators and decision-makers need clarity and suitable tools to do the job properly and efficiently.
The vast majority of the public, animal welfare campaigners, law enforcement, and investigators would welcome a much-needed review to strengthen the law. These groups must have the proper tools to effectively and efficiently protect the vulnerable wildlife in England and Wales.
At Naturewatch Foundation, we are working hard to call for legislative changes to stop hunting with dogs for good. We are proud to say we are a member of the Time for Change Coalition Against Hunting. Consisting of over thirty charities, the coalition represents millions of people and their voices across the UK on this issue.
A step in the right direction
Intense campaigning yields results, which is no more evident than the pressure recently applied to the new government. In September 2024, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) declared that 11 hunts had applied for licences to use MOD land for trail hunting. We are pleased that the MOD has now refused all eleven licence applications. These refusals mean that until there is a ministerial review of trail hunting and indeed for the 2024/2025 season, the wildlife on MOD will be safe from the illegal activities associated with trail hunting.
Our next steps
While our established Make Wildlife Count campaign to make wildlife crimes notifiable, we continue to pressure the new government for change. With the spark of hope the government exhibited in September, we firmly believe we can have an influence.
We recently undertook a Freedom of Information request across all police forces in England and Wales to understand how wildlife crimes are currently recorded and resolved and the issues the police forces face. From this data, we will prepare findings to submit to the government to make them understand the importance of recording crimes appropriately. Armed with this new data, the government will have very little option but to listen to our collective voice.
How you can help
Please visit our wildlife crime pages to see how you can help us carry out our work, highlighting and fighting the concerns surrounding the ambiguity the current laws cause. Your support can help us to put an end to this barbaric ‘pastime’ by strengthening the laws to protect our British wildlife.
