Fox hunting continues despite ban in Scotland

Fox hunting is still taking place two years after Scotland's strengthened ban came into force, a report by campaigners says.

- DAN VEVERS

The research by the League Against Cruel Sports found that, although the wildlife legislation is having a “real impact”, huntsmen are still making “brazen attempts” to exploit loopholes and flout the law in Renfrewshire.

Our sister title, the Daily Record, previously revealed that dozens of supposedly strict fox control licences have been issued under a new scheme since the law came into force with scant monitoring.

In January, it told how one of Scotland's most established hunts pursued foxes with bloodhounds near Houston under cover of an official NatureScot fox control licence.

These licences are awarded in instances where foxes pose a threat to livestock.

And while The League Against Cruel Sports hailed the “significant progress” in tackling fox hunting, it also highlighted evidence of determined efforts by some huntsmen to “evade the law’s intent” including suspected illegal hunting activities.