Cotswolds residents write to MPs to oppose trail hunt ban

Residents across the Cotswolds have written to both the Government and their MP to oppose the plan.

The proposal is currently under public consultation, with campaigners warning it could cost rural communities more than £100 million a year and threaten the livelihoods of nearly 1,000 families.

Trail hunting involves hounds following a deliberately laid scent made from animal material, rather than chasing a live animal and it was developed in the wake of the 2004 hunting ban.

Tim Bonner, chief executive of the Countryside Alliance, said: “At a time when the countryside is on its knees as a result of misguided government policies and a cost of living crisis heightened by war, the government has again chosen to attack rural communities with another assault on rural life.

“A ban on trail hunting is unnecessary, unjustified and unfair.”

The consultation, which began last month, remains open until June 18.

The Countryside Alliance, working alongside the British Hound Sports Association as part of the Future for Hunting campaign, is urging people to respond.

He said: “This is nothing more than the government attempting to distract from the real problems facing British people.

“Voters care about the countryside, the food on their table and cheaper energy bills; not toxic culture wars.”

He also raised concerns about the Labour Party’s relationship with rural voters.

He said: “If the government continues down this path, it will do nothing but confirm to rural people that Labour has warped priorities and a fundamental dislike of the countryside.”

More information is available at FutureforHunting.co.uk.