Sarah Champion MP Sponsors “Gold Standard Bill” to Stop Fox Hunting
Sarah Champion MP is one of 12 co-sponsors of the Hunting Act 2004 (Amendment) Bill, which has been presented to Parliament. Fox hunting has continued despite the 2004 Hunting Act under the guise of “trail hunting” - a smokescreen used to hunt foxes with hounds.
The Government launched its consultation on trail hunting in March, following Labour’s manifesto commitment to ban the practice.
The Hunting Act 2004 (Amendment) Bill has been developed over several months, drawing on evidence and input from animal welfare experts, law enforcement, academics, legal professionals and hunt saboteurs. As such, it is being presented as a “gold standard” against which the Government’s forthcoming reforms will be measured.
The Bill follows concerning reports that the Government may retain exemptions in the original Hunting Act that allow the deliberate killing of wildlife. In contrast, the Bill sponsored by Sarah Champion MP directly addresses and removes loopholes in the Hunting Act. Key measures include:
• Closing loopholes that allow hunters to hide behind claims of accidental hunting, by making it an offence where a reasonable person would foresee the risk of a wild mammal being hunted with a dog and proceeds regardless.
• Introducing a “going equipped” offence, applying where a person is found away from home with equipment, articles or dogs capable of use in hunting, in circumstances suggesting intended use.
• Strengthening enforcement by making hunting a notifiable offence and granting authorities powers to order the immediate cessation of hunt activity and dispersal of hunts.
The Bill also ensures that lawful drag and clean boot hunts are not penalised, maintaining a clear focus on those responsible for illegal hunting and the killing of wildlife.
Sarah Champion MP said:
I find it utterly disgusting that groups are still hunting, chasing and killing foxes - even though it's illegal and has been for decades. It's barbaric and needs to end. I'm supporting the Bill as I believe it can do just that, fox hunting needs to stop!"
Lead Sponsor, Neil Duncan-Jordan MP said:
“This Bill is the culmination of months of engagement. I’ve been listening to experts to draft legislation that balances fairness for drag hunts and those who observe the law with the need for a totally watertight Bill.
The lesson of the Hunting Act is that even well-intentioned legislation will fail if there are loopholes. I am offering this Bill to the Government as a constructive contribution to its consultation on what an effective ban should look like.
The Labour Government has taken action where its predecessors sat on their hands for over a decade and did nothing. Labour’s animal welfare strategy is among its most popular policies, particularly the proposal to stop fox hunting. That public support should give Ministers the confidence to finish the job and end this blood sport for good.
There can be no half-measures and no unfinished business. If we miss the mark, we risk losing the confidence of animal lovers. This would turn a major political win and a historic victory for our wildlife into an albatross around the Government’s neck.”
Kate Fox - Founder of Verify Humanity
"We look forward to this Bill bringing an end to an era where wildlife crime has reigned as an acceptable countryside pursuit by an entitled minority. Banning Trail Hunting and removing the exemptions that have facilitated illegal hunting will play a key role in its success. It also makes prosecution easier by using a "foreseeability" clause and ensures personal liability for those committing the crimes. With proposed fines up to £40,000 and crimes becoming notifiable, this will create an immediate deterrent for those wishing to break the law. While we have concerns about Drag Hunting, these proposals show a well-considered approach to its future legitimacy."