Reform Party and the Conservative Party are under fire for their participation in trail hunts on Boxing Day, with accusations of condoning “cruelty” leveled against them. Nigel Farage and Tory MP Kevin Hollinrake were photographed at a hunt despite ongoing concerns about the treatment of foxes by dogs during such events. Trail hunting involves following a pre-laid scent trail instead of hunting real animals, introduced as a substitute for fox hunting banned by the Labour Party in 2004.
Labour Party has pledged to outlaw this practice as part of its Animal Welfare Strategy, aiming to enhance the well-being of pets and wildlife. Critics have long criticized trail hunting as a cover for hunting wild animals. In response to politicians supporting these hunts, Labour MP Luke Charters MP accused Reform and the Tories of neglecting the interests of working people by defending hunts instead. He emphasized Labour’s focus on modernizing animal welfare laws and addressing the priorities of working-class citizens.
Hunt supporters have promised to oppose the proposed ban on trail hunting, with large crowds gathering for traditional Boxing Day meetings. Emma Slawinksi, CEO of the League Against Cruel Sports, blamed the hunts for bringing the ban upon themselves, alleging that trail hunting often veers into illegal hunting territory. The looming ban on trail hunting by the Government is seen as a necessary step due to the failure of hunts to demonstrate compliance with wildlife protection laws.
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