I appreciate the strong feelings many people have on this issue and I share your concern for ensuring the welfare of animals.
As part of the Hunting Act’s pest control exemptions, farmers and gamekeepers can use up to two dogs to flush foxes from cover to be shot. This makes an important contribution to land managers’ ability to control foxes. However, upland farmers have said that the two-dog limit is impractical on this terrain, which can be vast, difficult and often covered by woodland. They have asked for more flexibility, bringing the law closer to the position in Scotland.
The Government had intended to give the House of Commons an opportunity on 15 July to amend the provisions for exempt hunting so that farmers and gamekeepers could decide, based on the terrain and other circumstances, if it is appropriate to use more than two dogs to flush out foxes. Conservative Members would have received a free vote.
However, the Scottish National Party announced, contrary to its long-held position and the fact that the amendments would have no impact on Scotland, that its MPs would vote on this measure. While the debate on the Statutory Instrument did not take place on 15 July, the Government’s wider position remains unchanged: Parliament will have an opportunity to repeal the Hunting Act on a free vote, with a government bill in government time.
Due to the enormous number of emails received on this topic, I am aware that feelings run high. I am currently collating responses so that I can make my decision on how to vote when the free vote arises. If you would like to submit your opinions for consideration, please email me at ben.howlett.mp@parliament.uk