The Hunting Ban of 2004 outlawed the cruel and barbaric ‘sport’ of hunting with hounds, and the terrible suffering that it brings to foxes, deer, hares and other hunted animals. From the very beginning those against the ban argued that it was confusing, illiberal, divisive and un-enforceable. Despite the convictions that the ban has brought, and public opinion remaining weighted against them (in an Ipsos-MORI poll 7 out of 10 people wanted hunting to remain illegal), these excuses are still being used to argue for a repeal of the ban. Importantly, more people support the ban than oppose it across all the main political parties.
Whilst most reasonable people believe the hunting community should move on, it is apparent that they will not give up quietly and are running a highly political campaign to re-instate their cruel sport.
Banning hunting ranks as one of the Government’s most notable achievements over the past decade. It is clear that only Labour can be trusted to enforce the current law and to protect wildlife from barbaric ‘traditions’ in the long-term.
A recent poll showed that three quarters of the public don't want to see a return to the hunt
and only 3% of the public think repeal of the Hunting Act should be a priority for the next government. And a staggering 59% of voters would consider changing their vote if they discovered that their chosen candidate wanted to bring back hunting. Animal welfare is hugely important to me and I know to a great many people in the Stroud constituency. How we treat the sentient creatures with which we share our world says a lot about us.