Scottish Government defends position on Hunting with Dogs licensing

During Portfolio Questions at the Scottish Parliament on 2 October, Scottish Greens’ leader, Patrick Harvie, submitted a question regarding the licensing scheme acting as a ‘loophole’ for fox hunting.

It was pleasing to see Scottish Government Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity, Jim Fairlie, defending the licensing system for the Hunting with Dogs legislation, stating:

“The licensing scheme in the act is not a loophole. The use of more than two dogs is strictly controlled under licence for specified purposes, in particular protection of livestock. All licence applications are scrutinized by NatureScot, where licences are granted, both NatureScot and Police Scotland must be notified before any activity commences. NatureScot have carried out a number of visits to ensure that any activity undertaken is strictly in accordance with the licence.”

The use of legal and licensed snaring methods will be banned in Scotland from 25 November this year, therefore it is vitally important that other predator control methods are protected. These methods will no doubt include the licensed use of more than two dogs in very specific circumstances to ensure that farm managers and landowners can protect the livestock and wildlife across Scotland.

Emma Harper MSP clarified the Scottish Government’s position regarding predator control. It was categorically stated that the Scottish Government will continue to support methods of predator control for wildlife management and the protection of livestock.

Rachael Hamilton MSP noted that the licensing system has been further strengthened by NatureScot making it more difficult for operators to obtain a licence. To gain a licence for hunting with more than two dogs is not an easy process and requires a large amount of evidence before NatureScot will grant one. For Mr Harvie to comment that the legislation is not rigorously enforced is just not true and the Scottish Government correctly defended their position.

Ms Hamilton completed her speech with a supplementary question asking the Minister how many times licence conditions have been broken. The short answer from the Minister was exactly zero.

This question from the Scottish Greens suggesting a loophole in the licensing system that they supported is not wholly unsurprising. They were more than happy to claim victory when the new law was passed last year yet are now unhappy that the licence scheme is doing what it should be doing – enabling the use of more than two dogs to flush foxes to guns under very strict and rigorous licensing conditions for the protection of livestock and for environmental benefit purposes where there is no effective alternative.

To watch the debate, click here.