25.06.26
Now that midsummer has passed, many of us are reflecting on our connection with nature and the renewed energy this season can bring. As the days begin to shift, it feels fitting that the end of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), 12-week public consultation on proposals to prohibit trail hunting marks the beginning of another period of hope, focus and determination.
The consultation marks a key step towards stronger protection for wildlife in England and Wales, and towards addressing the repeated cruelty and criminality too often associated with trail hunting.
Blocking badger setts to stop foxes seeking cover, allowing hounds to kill wildlife, and practices such as blooding could not be further removed from the compassion and respect that should define our relationship with nature.
How Naturewatch Foundation has been involved
Seen as a credible contributor, Naturewatch Foundation has been involved in several important ways. As 2024 drew to a close, we met with other animal welfare organisations to discuss how we could work together in a joined-up approach and present the strongest possible evidence in support of a strict ban.
Earlier this year, we added our voice to a letter to the Government expressing our frustration at the lack of visible progress in the consultation process. Following sustained pressure from many organisations and members of the public, the consultation was finally announced in March.
In April, we attended a roundtable chaired by Baroness Hayman of Ullock, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at Defra, with responsibility for biosecurity and animal welfare. Baroness Hayman is also a committed advocate for animal welfare.
The roundtable gave a range of interested parties the opportunity to discuss concerns and explore options for how a ban could take shape. As a result of our valued input, we have been told that, when the Government decides how to implement a ban, we will again be part of this working group. This is an extremely encouraging step forward in our commitment to advancing animal welfare.
Helping supporters respond to the consultation
You may also have seen our advice and detailed explanation of the consultation on our website. This guidance has been used by many supporters and requested by several MPs to share with concerned constituents as they prepared their responses. From the messages sent to our office, we know how deeply so many of you care about wildlife and how useful you found our guide. Thank you for trusting our advice and for taking the time to complete the consultation.
With a large number of questions, the consultation may have felt daunting for some people, and that is completely understandable. It is often the reason we feel we do not have time, or why difficult subject matter can feel too upsetting to face. Sadly, that can mean a response never materialises.
Taking your concerns to Defra
I am pleased to say that on June 18th, I emailed the Defra consultation team a document containing many of the comments our supporters sent us. It was clear to me just how strongly people feel, and I hope those comments resonate with the team as much as they did with me.
What happens now?
We expect that, in mid to late autumn, a summary of responses to the consultation will be published on the UK Government website and the Defra homepage. Following careful consideration of all responses, the Government, with input from stakeholders including Naturewatch Foundation, is expected to develop legislation to deliver a ban on trail hunting in England and Wales. This will then be introduced when parliamentary time allows.
In the meantime, we will continue our work to expose wildlife persecution and challenge those who seek to undermine the law. There will no doubt be false narratives from those who wish to continue these practices, but we can only thank everyone who has taken part from the bottom of our hearts. Together, we will keep working to protect wildlife. Now is the time for change.
Jim – Wildlife Crime Campaign Manager
Photograph by Ian G. Robertson. iangrobertson.myportfolio.com
