HuntingThe Hunting Act 2004 came into force at midnight on 17th February 2005. Our relentless campaigning has guaranteed that the Hunting Act is now widely acknowledged to be bad law. It is no accident that many political commentators, Chief Constables, senior civil servants and a majority of the public have taken this view. The Countryside Alliance has worked tirelessly to expose the law for what it is: hard to interpret and enforce, illiberal, bad for animal welfare and a waste of police resources. Thanks to our determined efforts when working with hunts that have been targeted, there have been only a handful of successful convictions. However, it cannot be right that a large section of law-abiding citizens continue to live in constant fear of malicious prosecutions. In 2010 one hunt received 47 visits from animal rights activists armed with video cameras, aiming for prosecution. It is a terrible and vivid illustration of why things cannot ‘be left as they are’. Our campaigning has ensured that hunting remains firmly on the political agenda and the Coalition Agreement includes a commitment to a free vote in this Parliament. We need to remain vigilant in future and spot every opportunity to move our cause forward.
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 Crawley & Horsham Hunting Act case - we stand unitedThursday, 19 April 2012 CA Executive Chairman Barney White-Spunner writes: On Monday four people from the Crawley and Horsham Hunt go on trial at Horsham magistrates, accused of Hunting Act offences. The case is listed to last for seven days and is the first Hunting Act case involving a hunt to be heard in the South East of England. Read more Jim Barrington's blog on the Hunting ActThursday, 12 April 2012 The Countryside Alliance's Animal Welfare Consultant, Jim Barrington, has written a blog this week which supporters of hunting will enjoy. Jim writes: "....reading the whole Act would be an interesting exercise for many anti hunt people, who simply assume that this law is a good thing and might be surprised by the strange and illogical nature of its drafting. Read more Blackmore & Sparkford Vale claims glory in Race for RepealThursday, 5 April 2012 CA Executive Chairman Barney White-Spunner writes: The 2012 Masters' Race for Repeal was the highlight of the Countryside Alliance's Countryside Race Day on Sunday 1st April, and there was glory for West Country hunts whose representatives dominated the race. This was the third annual Race for Repeal; the first was a huntsman's race, won by Michael Scott of the Old Berks on Roodolph, and last year it was a Masters' Race won by Fran Bell of the Devon & Somerset Staghounds aboard Fair Ruler. Read more David Cameron writes exclusively for CA magazineMonday, 26 March 2012 David Cameron has written for the CA’s quarterly magazine on his experience of the countryside and, in advance of the revised planning regulations, how important it is to “keep what’s so great about rural Britain”. The Prime Minister, David Cameron, has written exclusively for the Countryside Alliance in its quarterly magazine - sent to every one of its over 100,000 members. In the article the PM writes that “the countryside is in (his) blood… the countryside isn’t a vast museum. It’s a buzzing 21st-century economy.” Read more Racing for Repeal - sponsoring hunts was never so easyThursday, 22 March 2012 The initial Race for Repeal was held at our Countryside Day at Ascot in 2010. Won by Old Berks Huntsman Michael Scott (pictured), the concept has given rise to a popular formula - where Masters and Hunt Staff battle it out over seven furlongs at a CA Race Day. The Race for Repeal format is now being rolled out across the country, with several races featuring dozens of hunt representatives rising to the challenge for their hunt in 2012. Read more Nicky Sadler hunts with the LedburyWednesday, 14 March 2012 Former CA board member and stalwart hunting campaigner Nicky Sadler follows the Ledbury Hunt, hunting within the law, in its Friday country, near Tewkesbury in Gloucestershire. Read more Buy "In Kennels" from the CA's online shopTuesday, 13 March 2012 The Association of Masters of Harriers and Beagles (AMHB) has produced a new DVD, "In Kennels", which aims to spread good practice amongst its member packs. The DVD draws on the wide experiences of three professional huntsmen: Richard Lloyd of the Pendle Forest & Craven; James Pound of the Newcastle & District Beagles and Simon Dunn of the Chilmark and Clifton Foot Beagles. The three play host and share the benefits of their experience and knowledge. Read more Air Ambulance e-petition – sign nowTuesday, 13 March 2012 A new online petition has been set up calling for Government to "Return VAT on Air Ambulance fuel payments." We have massive admiration and support for the vital work the Air Ambulance does and those who hunt are especially grateful for their rapid response and care. Those who raise funds for the Air Ambulance, and those who support the service, will be in favour of this petition, which calls for an exemption from VAT on fuel costs. Read more VAWM symposium in London, November 2012Monday, 12 March 2012 From the Veterinary Association of Wildlife Management: Advance notice of a one day symposium on Wildlife Diseases and Conservation. Following our successful symposia in 2006, 2008 and 2010 a fourth symposium is to be held at The Royal Society of Medicine, 1 Wimpole Street, London, W1G 0AE on Thursday, November 15, 2012 Read more Barney White-Spunner on CATVThursday, 1 March 2012 March 2012 - New Executive Chairman Barney White-Spunner was interviewed at the Jackson-Stops and Staff Countryside Alliance Point-to-Point at Badbury Rings, Dorset on 26th February. On a glorious day Barney outlined his remit, views and hopes for his new role (repeal of the Hunting Act - we'll get there) while our President, Baroness Mallalieu and Angling legend Charles Jardine also contributed. Read more |
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