Really dull question about the ban thingy-me-jig

[Bowen4Horses]

Hi All

Right, firstly, i'm neither pro nor anti hunting. I'm a horse owner who comes on here to discuss general horse matters.

I sometimes sneak a peek on the 'hunting forum' as i'm interested, and quite enjoy the bickering...

Anyway, dull question time. I know nothing about hunting (i used to drag hunt as a teen, that's it). From the news, and this forum, i know there is a ban on hunting... yet hunting still happens.

Can anyone sum up what the ban was, in a sentence or two (without hurling insults... just facts please!) and explain how there are still hunts around....

Hopefully, i'll then be able to understand a bit more about what everyone is arguing about!

Thank you! x :smirk:

 

[combat_claire]

The Hunting Act 2004 was passed using the Parliament Act in November 2004 but the text of the act contained several exemptions to allow certain activities to continue. As a result hunts have been able to utilise these to continue operations within the law.

For example with the foxhounds and the harrier packs trail hunting is permitted and this is the most commonly used exemption, you may also flush quarry using a maximum of 2 hounds, you can flush to a bird of prey and flush to a gun or team of guns.

These exemptions also apply to the beagle and basset packs who are able to trail hunt or hunt rabbits or for wounded hares.

Mink hound packs can flush to a gun, trail hunt or hunt rats.

In practice most packs use a variety of methods to replicate pre-ban hunting as closely as possible. Experienced trail layers will be able to lay a challenging scent, offering checks and casts to test the hounds and huntsman.

 

[Bowen4Horses]

thank you! x