Poll Finds Majority Support for Banning Trail Hunting Across England and Wales
New findings increase pressure for a delayed consultation to begin, with campaigners pushing tougher penalties.
Overview
- Survation poll of more than 2,000 adults in England and Wales found 62% support making trail hunting illegal, compared with 24% who want it kept legal.
- Majorities favour a ban across urban and rural areas and among voters for all parties, while the practice is described as a scent-laying alternative that critics say masks illegal hunting.
- Labour reiterates its manifesto pledge to outlaw trail hunting and says it will launch a consultation on how to deliver a full ban.
- Campaigners led by League Against Cruel Sports chief Emma Slawinski urge removal of Hunting Act exemptions, introduction of jail sentences, and a specific offence for reckless or accidental hunting.
- Ministers set out animal welfare plans last month that included a ban, but the promised consultation has yet to start, and the Countryside Alliance argues Parliament should not prioritise new hunting laws.