Thank you for writing to me concerning the Hunting Act 2004.
As you know, the Hunting Act makes it an offence to hunt a wild animal with dogs except where it is carried out in accordance with the exemptions, and those found guilty under the Act are subject to the full force of law.
I am aware that many hunts in the UK have turned to trail hunting since the Act’s introduction, which involves large packs of hounds following an artificially laid animal based scent, which is permitted under the Act as it does not involve a hunt for a live fox.
I appreciate your strength of feeling on this issue, however it would be unfair to tar all those who engage in such activities with the same brush as those who purposefully breach the letter and spirit of the Act. The hunts that are often referred to as examples of causing trouble are already in breach of the Act for various reasons, such as trespassing on private property and chasing livestock or pets.
An offence under the Act must involve the intentional hunting of a wild animal, and enforcement of the Act is an operational matter for the police, with individual Chief Constables determining how their resources are best deployed. It is a matter for the locally elected Police and Crime Commissioners to hold them to account.
I thank you again for taking the time to contact me.