THE HUNTING season has begun and while in an ideal world this would mean hunts are preparing for a season of trail and drag hunting we know that in many cases the reality is very different.
Wild animals will suffer in their masses as some hunts take to the field hunting as they traditionally did before the Hunting Act came into force. Sadly a number of hunts believe they are above the law and will continue to chase and kill wild mammals purely for sport.
However, those who put two fingers up to the law will be brought to justice, as the figures testify. There is an average of one conviction under the Hunting Act every fortnight and with around 140 prosecutions under the Act the law is most certainly working.
Our professional observers will be out in force this season, monitoring the activities of hunts which are believed to be breaking the law and breaching legislation. In order to be more efficient we need information as to where hunts are hunting, where they are meeting and when they’re going out.
The various cases working their way through the courts right now show how effective our observers can be.
If readers have meet cards or any of the above information, and like the 75 per cent of people who oppose hunting, we would urge them to pass this on to the League Against Cruel Sports so we can assist the police in enforcing the law.
Our Hunt Crimewatch number is 01483 524250.
Hunting for sport is cruel, unnecessary and above all else illegal.
Douglas Batchelor
Chief executive, League Against Cruel Sports
