Fox hunts in Scotland 'still using dogs to chase down animals' despite ban

Fox hunting, a traditional yet controversial practice that involves chasing and killing wild foxes with hounds, has been a subject of intense debate in Scotland for several decades. Despite a ban on this blood sport that has been in place since 2002, footage obtained by the League Against Cruel Sports (LAS) suggests that the practice continues to persist in some areas of Scotland.

The Hunting Act 2004, which came into effect in England and Wales in 2005, prohibits the hunting of wild mammals such as foxes, deer, and mink with dogs. However, Scotland opted out of this legislation due to its devolved powers over wildlife management. Instead, it enacted its own legislation, the Protection of Wild Mammals (Scotland) Act 2002, which bans the intentional killing or taking of wild mammals with hounds or other dogs between February and July each year.

Despite this legislation, LAS claims that fox hunts continue to take place in Scotland, often under the guise of "drag hunting," where hounds are used to follow an artificial scent trail rather than pursuing live animals. However, footage captured by LAS during the 2022-2023 hunting season appears to contradict this claim.

In one instance, LAS activists filmed a hunt taking place near Perth on February 19, 2023. The footage shows a group of hounds being released from a vehicle and setting off after a live fox. The hunt continued for several miles, with the hounds pursuing the fox relentlessly until it was eventually cornered and killed.

Another incident occurred on February 25, 2023, when LAS documented a hunt taking place near Ayr. In this case, the hounds were seen chasing a fox through a wooded area before losing sight of it. However, later that day, a dead fox was discovered near the scene of the hunt, leading LAS to believe that the animal had been killed by the hounds.

These incidents have sparked outrage among animal welfare organizations and prompted calls for stricter enforcement of the existing legislation. The Scottish Government has stated that it takes the issue seriously and is currently reviewing its approach to wildlife management and enforcement of the Protection of Wild Mammals (Scotland) Act 2002.

It is important to note that while fox hunting is a contentious issue, opinions on it are divided. Some argue that it is a traditional practice that should be allowed to continue, while others believe that it is cruel and unnecessary. Regardless of personal beliefs, it is essential that any wildlife management practices are carried out humanely and in accordance with the law.

In conclusion, despite a ban on fox hunting with hounds being in place in Scotland since 2002, footage obtained by the League Against Cruel Sports suggests that the practice continues to occur. The Scottish Government is currently reviewing its approach to wildlife management and enforcement of the Protection of Wild Mammals (Scotland) Act 2002 in response to these allegations. The issue remains a subject of intense debate and controversy.