Should the fox hunting ban be lifted?

By katef1 | Tuesday, May 18, 2010, 14:51

One of the many effects that this Conservative – Lib Dem coalition may have on the South West is the potential lift on the fox hunting ban.

Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

David Cameron has been very outspoken about his views on the ban over the last couple of months and has confirmed that he plans to hold a free vote on decriminalising hunting with dogs. Nick Clegg, although apparently against fox hunting, has also stated that he will agree to holding the vote.

The fox hunting ban was bought in by our Labour government in 2005, but has since been widely criticised by many.

Last month David Cameron said: “I always thought the ban was a mistake because I think it is very difficult to enforce.

"I think it's somewhere where the criminal law shouldn't go. But it will be a free vote.

"The fox population has to be controlled. Every farmer will tell you that, and every farmer will tell you that the methods now being used – gassing, shooting, trapping and snaring, are very cruel. The case on animal welfare grounds for the hunting ban I've always thought was very weak."

In an interview with BBC Radio 5 Mr Cameron revealed that his views on hunting could have been shaped through his upbringing and country roots: "I'm a country boy. I was brought up in the countryside and I love walking and riding and every aspect of growing up in the countryside. I was taught to fish by a wonderful grandfather. I was taught to shoot rabbits by my dad, and I went hunting as well.

"People like riding across the countryside. Lots of people do it together. It's an opportunity to see parts of the countryside you never see before. It's something that happened in the countryside for a very many years.”

Do you agree that there should be a free vote on fox hunting? Which way would you vote and why?

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Comments

Well spotted - tres bon!

I've now changed the photo to a more suitable one :)

By katef1 at 15:12 on 18/05/10
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Bonjour, should at least have used a picture of a English pack of hounds. Hunting with hounds is not illegal in France or ever likely to be;-)

Roll on repeal.

By samsonsoup at 13:44 on 18/05/10
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Bonjour, should have at least used a picture of a English pack. Hunting in France is not illegal and never likely to be.

Roll on repeal.

By samsonsoup at 13:42 on 18/05/10
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The vote shouldn't just be about whether we keep the ban or not. It should also be about enforcement. Where I live, the local hunt has just carried on as normal. They make absolutely no pretense of just "exercising the hounds" and actively put up the fox and then put the hounds on to it, with the inevitable result. I have this on video, and still the police will take no action. If the hunting ban is to continue, then make the ownership of packs of dogs illegal as well. I know this means that hundreds of hounds will be put down initially, but then thousands of stray dogs are put down every year which is a much greater tragedy.

By beachcomber3 at 09:26 on 17/05/10
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If the vote goes ahead to repeal this Act. It will be a free vote.

Prior to this vote there would be plenty of time to contact your Member of Parliament and make your views known.

Foxes do need to be controlled. Whatever happens.

By pobox112 at 23:43 on 15/05/10
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