Judge us on the facts’ plea as local Hunt fears ban on trail hunting
Those involved in trail hunting say there’s a lot of misinformation about the sport
The North Cotswold Hunt is urging the government to judge trail hunting on the facts.
It’s as the sport could potentially be outlawed, a commitment made in the Labour Party manifesto before the general election.
The North Cotswold Hunt is inviting MPs and local councillors to come and see a trail hunt for themselves in Gloucestershire on 10th October, National Trail Hunting Day.
Tom Robbins, Joint Master of the North Cotswold Hunt, says trail hunting is working as it should: “Trail hunting does not involve chasing a fox or any other animal.
“We lay a scent trail before every Hunt and that process is documented and kept as a record.
“The point about trail hunting is that it has allowed us to protect the heritage, while complying fully with the law.
“We have kept the traditional scarlet coats, the hunting horn and the hounds but we have modernised and adapted.”
The North Cotswold Hunt is a member of the British Hound Sports Association, the governing body for trail hunting.
Olly Hughes, managing director of the British Hounds Sports Association, said: "Trail hunting is an ethical, legal and highly regulated activity that preserves long-standing traditions, supports employment and brings rural communities together.
"It also provides a lawful and structured outlet for working hounds to carry out the function for which they are bred and trained, following deliberately laid scent trails."