Boxing Day hunts could become thing of the past

THE Boxing Day Hunt could become a thing of the past as the Government legislates to end trail hunting.

- ALEX RICHARDS

The news puts a target on the back of many traditional seasonal events across the West and has drawn criticism from those in favour of the sport, including the Countryside Alliance who branded it "completely unjustified".

Trail hunting sees a scent laid out for the hunt to follow rather than a real animal, and was introduced as a replacement for fox hunting, which was banned by Labour in 2004.

Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds said: "We're a nation of animal lovers. This Government is delivering the most ambitious animal welfare strategy in a generation.

"Our strategy will raise welfare standards for animals in the home, on the farm and in the wild."

Animal Welfare Minister Baroness Hayman said: "In our manifesto we said we would ban trail hunting, and that's exactly what we'll do.

"There is evidence that trail hunting is being used as a smokescreen for the hunting of wild animals, and that's not acceptable."

Ministers had committed to reforming animal welfare and will launch a consultation seeking views on how to deliver a full ban in the new year.