Calls for crack down on hunting 'loophole' ahead of Boxing Day parades
The government is facing calls to crack down on a hunting loophole after figures suggested that hundreds of suspected illegal incidents took place in just five weeks.
The League Against Cruel Sports said there were 303 combined incidents of hunt havoc and illegal fox hunting between 1 November and 7 December. It said there were 78 reports of a fox being visibly pursued, eight reported kills and three suspected kills during that period. Fox hunting was banned in England and Wales under the Hunting Act 2004, which came into force in 2005, but hounds are allowed to follow a scented cloth instead - called trail hunting.The league's figures were released to coincide with Boxing Day, the biggest day in the hunting calendar, with more than 200 hunts expected to parade through UK high streets before they head out to the countryside.
Spokesperson Emma Judd said it was time the government"came on board with public opinion", adding:"Only by strengthening the law on hunting can communities, wildlife and rural values be protected."
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
What time is Emmerdale on Christmas Day and Boxing Day?Emmerdale will be airing on both Christmas an Boxing Day so fans of the ITV soap can still get their Dales fix
Read more »
Is McDonald's open on Christmas Day and Boxing Day - opening hours explainedThose who don't want a turkey diner might be looking for an alternative on Christmas Day.
Read more »
Greater Manchester Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day weather forecastThere will be some unexpected sunshine
Read more »
What time is ITV Coronation Street on Christmas Day and Boxing Day?Corrie fans will still get their fix of the ITV soap over Christmas
Read more »
Christmas Day menus for Leeds prisoners eating behind bars this festive seasonPlus dinner in the can on Boxing Day 2022 and New Year's Day
Read more »
Boxing Day travel chaos looms as strikes hit entire rail network and AA issues traffic warningTravelling for Boxing day sales and the return of domestic football is expected to increase traveller volume
Read more »