Almost 20 years since the Hunting Act 2004 was brought in by Tony Blair's government, the League Against Cruel Sports (Lacs) - the animal welfare charity that was the driving force behind the original ban - says its data evidences how stronger legislation is required to close loopholes and prohibit trail hunting, which campaigners say has been used as a smokescreen for illegal foxhunting. Trail hunting is where dogs follow an animal-based scent.
As hunts gathered for their traditional Boxing Day meets, the UK government recommitted to its manifesto pledge to ban the practice, which it acknowledged was being used as a cover to hunt and kill wild animals.
This story is from the December 27, 2024 edition of The Guardian.
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This story is from the December 27, 2024 edition of The Guardian.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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