A powerful cross-party coalition of Members of Parliament and Peers is intensifying calls for the UK government to enact a definitive and immediate ban on hunting with hounds. This united front signifies a growing political will to address long-standing concerns regarding animal welfare and the controversial practice, pushing for a complete legislative overhaul rather than further consultation.
The urgent appeal was formally presented in a comprehensive letter, endorsed by 61 influential MPs and Peers, directly to the Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs. This collaborative parliamentary action underscores the significant cross-party support for moving beyond mere discussion to decisive policy implementation that permanently ends the practice of hunting animals with hounds across the nation.
Proponents of the ban highlight the severe animal welfare implications, not only for wild creatures like foxes, stags, and hares, but also for the dogs involved in these activities. Neil Duncan-Jordan, a prominent MP leading the charge, articulated grave concerns over the alleged “brutal deaths” of wildlife and the “industrial scale” abuse and killing of dogs used to facilitate what he terms the “enjoyment of those who flout the law.”
While the government has previously indicated an intention to consult on aspects such as trail hunting, the cross-party letter vehemently urges greater transparency and promptness. It demands clear guidance on the precise timing, comprehensive scope, and crucial legislative follow-through necessary to ensure a robust and effective ban is established without further delay, moving past prolonged consultative phases.
Adding momentum to the parliamentary initiative, the campaign group, The New Hunting Ban, has simultaneously launched its own independent public consultation. This parallel effort seeks to gather broad public input on a preliminary list of measures, aiming to construct a comprehensive set of recommendations for inclusion in a final, all-encompassing ban on hunting with hounds, reinforcing widespread public demand.
Leading figures such as Neil Duncan-Jordan have consistently championed animal welfare, recalling manifesto commitments that included bold proposals for reform, specifically targeting practices like trail hunting. His ongoing efforts reflect a steadfast dedication to fulfilling promises made to the electorate regarding the ethical treatment of animals and the cessation of practices deemed inhumane.
Echoing this sentiment, another vocal MP, Tom Hayes, emphasized the critical need for legislative strengthening “for the health and wellbeing of animals.” He asserted that the cruelty must end, advocating for an urgent overhaul of existing laws to definitively stop hunting with hounds, once and for all, aligning with public expectations for robust animal protection.
Rhys Giles, the Director of The New Hunting Ban, powerfully conveyed the public’s widespread frustration, stating that the initiative signals to the government that “the public are tired of waiting for action on an ongoing outrage that should have been resolved two decades ago.” He highlighted that representatives from diverse geographical areas are unified in standing up for wildlife, dogs, and the countryside, demonstrating a national consensus for change.
