21ST CENTURY FOX HUNTIING

>> Packs exploit licensing system and others could now follow >> League Against Cruel Sports asks government to close gaps

- DAN VEVERS

FOX hunts are making a shocking comeback in Scotland despite a landmark ban amid fears huntsmen are exploiting a new loophole, the Daily Record reveals today.

More than 40 licences for hunting with packs of dogs have been issued since a new fox hunting ban came into effect last year, including 31 cases where hunting with packs of 20 dogs or more were permitted.

Evidence suggests at least one of Scotland's mounted hunts, the Lauderdale Hunt in the Borders, may have used licensed fox control to continue its activities.

It has raised fears the blood sport could make a comeback in Scotland this hunting season - from September to April - despite multiple attempts to end the cruel practice by law.

The League Against Cruel Sports has now written to the Scottish Government urging it to close any gaps in the new legislation that could be allowing mounted fox hunting to continue.

Robbie Marsland, director of the anti-blood sports group, said: "Before the new ban, the League routinely filmed hunts running a coach and horses through the old legislation.

"Time and again we had to watch as foxes were chased and killed by packs of dogs in the Scottish countryside.

"They said they were legally shooting foxes using a loophole in the old legislation, so we were delighted when the government brought in a new law that they said would close that loophole.

"At that time, we did warn that mounted fox hunters have a history of exploiting any loopholes they can find.

"We are devastated to discover that at least one mounted hunt was able to exploit a new loophole last season and we worry that more will learn this trick in the new hunting season, which is just around the corner.

"We are convinced that this isn't what the government wants and we have written to the Cabinet Secretary to urge her to make sure that fox hunting in Scotland is really banned-for good."