The government has launched its consultation on how to ban trail hunting in England and Wales. We're fighting back, but we need your help. Act now by completing the e-lobby to ensure your voice is heard before the government makes its final decision.
This consultation will shape legislation that could have serious and immediate consequences for rural communities, livelihoods and lawful countryside activities. If those who understand the countryside do not respond, others will define the outcome.
Trail hunting is a lawful activity that has operated since the Hunting Act 2004, contributing an estimated £100 million to the rural economy each year and supporting a wide network of jobs and businesses - from farriers and feed suppliers to local pubs and rural services.
The Countryside Alliance - working alongside the British Hound Sports Association on the joint Future for Hunting campaign - is urging everyone who values hunting and rural life to take a few moments to respond. A strong, united voice is essential to challenge these proposals and ensure policymakers understand their real-world impact. You can read the joint campaign's response, which will be sent using the e-lobby, here.
The government has shown time and time again that they have no real understanding of rural communities and the issues that matter to them. From the Family Farm Tax to proposals to restrict shotgun ownership, they have launched attack after attack on the countryside. We need as many people as possible to speak up, and warn them of the harm they could cause.
Tim Bonner, Chief Executive of the Countryside Alliance, said:
“At a time when the countryside is on its knees as a result of misguided government policies and a cost of living crisis heightened by war, the government has again chosen to attack rural communities with another assault on rural life. A ban on trail hunting is unnecessary, unjustified and unfair.
“This is nothing more than the government attempting to distract from the real problems facing British people. Voters care about the countryside, the food on their table and cheaper energy bills; not toxic culture wars.”
Recent polling reflects this disconnect. Two in three voters believe the government does not care about the countryside, and when asked about priorities, not a single respondent identified a ban on trail hunting as important. Instead, people highlighted the economy, immigration, and health as the issues that matter most.
Ben Wallace, Chairman of Future for Hunting, added:
“When the government should be focused on delivering for rural Britain, choosing instead to prioritise an ideological attack on a lawful countryside activity sends a troubling message about where its true priorities lie. The countryside deserves better than policymaking driven by prejudice rather than practical reality.”
The government’s consultation will determine how a ban is defined, how it is enforced, and what impact it will have. This is your opportunity to ensure those decisions are informed by evidence and experience — not assumption.
Take action now. Complete the e-lobby and make sure your voice is heard.
This is the moment to stand up for the countryside, your community, and the future of hunting.
Your countryside need YOU.