Government Moves to Ban Trail Hunting Amid Controversy
Police and animal rights activists have frequently described trail hunting as a “smokescreen” for illegal foxhunting. In response, the government has announced plans to ban trail hunting, a rural sport that has long been under scrutiny.
“We pledged to ban trail hunting in our manifesto and that is exactly what we intend to do,”said Sue Hayman, the animal welfare minister.
“The nature of trail hunting makes it difficult to ensure wild and domestic animals are not put at risk of being killed or injured – that is clearly unacceptable.”
On Thursday, the government initiated a public consultation on how to enforce the ban, which will apply to England and Wales.
Background on Foxhunting and Trail Hunting
In 2005, the previous government banned foxhunting, a traditional equestrian sport involving the pursuit and killing of foxes with a pack of dogs. Despite the ban, hunters vowed to continue their activities.
Trail hunting emerged as a lawful alternative, involving hounds following a pre-laid animal-based scent across the countryside. However, animal rights groups and police have accused trail hunting of being used to conceal illegal foxhunting activities.
Four years ago, the hunting community’s reputation suffered when a prominent UK hunter was recorded advising fellow hunters on how trail hunting could serve as a “smokescreen” for illegal foxhunting.
Animal Rights Groups Report Ongoing Issues
The League Against Cruel Sports, a long-standing opponent of trail hunting, asserts that animals are deliberately targeted during these hunts.
Between August 2025 and 25 March this year, covering the most recent fox and cub hunting seasons, the charity reported 488 instances of foxes being pursued and 1,220 reports of antisocial behaviour by fox hunts affecting rural communities. The League noted that pre-laid trails were recorded at only 4% of hunt meets monitored.
Response from Countryside Alliance
The Countryside Alliance, which supports hunting traditions as part of Britain’s rural heritage, has advised its members to delay responding to the public consultation, which remains open until 18 June, pending the release of “coordinated guidance.”
Tim Bonner, the chief executive of the Countryside Alliance, cautioned the government about the potential backlash from rural communities.
“This is nothing more than the government attempting to distract from the real problems facing British people. Voters care about the countryside, the food on their table and cheaper energy bills; not toxic culture wars,”Bonner said.
