Cheshire West Labour recognise threat of Trail Hunting

Cheshire West & Chester Council Labour Group are seeking to pass a motion at Full Council tomorrow which recognises the threat of Trail Hunting on Council-owned land, with the endorsement of the Cheshire West Labour Parliamentary Group.

In a statement Cllr Matt Bryan, Cabinet Member for the Climate Emergency said: "It's well known the hunts have used Trail Hunting as a smokescreen to cover up their intention of cruelly killing animals. This has been confirmed recently in a leaked online webinar with national hunt officials and retired policeman advising their members how to use this legal loophole to go about their hunting business. This has also led to the national suspension of all Trail Hunting activities by the National Trust and the Forestry Commission. In the last season (including the cub hunting season), which was curtailed by lockdown, the Cheshire Monitors collated at least 21 reports of suspected illegal hunting activity within the Cheshire West & Chester local authority area. These reports include multiple incidents of badger sett blocking, the pursuit of foxes by hounds, livestock worrying (including horses and pregnant ewes), and a hound killed on a road.

Despite lockdown grounding hunts at various times the League Against Cruel Sports collated multiple incidents reported to have taken place within the local authority area since August, including a report of a pet Labrador being attacked by a pack of 30 beagles, reports of suspected cub hunting, as well as the cruel whipping of a pony which would not cross a ditch, an incident which was recorded by local monitors."

Councillors will debate the following motion at Full Council this Thursday 10th December 2020 -

"This Council notes that the hunting of wild animals with dogs is illegal under the terms of the Hunting Act 2004, except where an exemption applies. With a continual threat to the environment and on wild and domestic animals; to prevent potential illegal activity in breach of The Hunting Act 2004 and The Protection of Badgers Act 1992 and to prevent damage to other flora and fauna by hunts, their hounds, followers and objectors, this Council asks Cabinet to consider and develop a policy to clearly reflect this position with regard to Trail Hunting on Council-owned land."

Mike Amesbury, MP for Weaver Vale adds: “The 2004 Hunting Act was a key milestone to improve animal welfare. I want to see it strengthened. I welcome and support measures to ban Trail Hunting on Council-owned land.”

Chris Matheson, MP for the City of Chester adds: "Too many hunts have been ignoring the law, damaging the land and harming wildlife, and draining Police resources. Well done to Cheshire West and Chester Council's Labour Group for bringing forward proposals to stop this reckless and potentially criminal behaviour on Council land."

Justin Madders, MP for Ellesmere Port & Neston adds: "The law applies to everyone and I support the Councils attempts to ensure it is enforced.”