Great Britain’s rural affairs minister, Alun Michael, will likely soon propose a compromise bill on the contentious issue of hunting foxes with dogs that would bring such activities under national anti-cruelty statutes, but leave the details up to local tribunals.
Under the compromise proposal that appeared to be shaping up after three days of hearings conducted by the rural minstry, what constitutes cruel fox hunting would be established nationwide, but enforcement and delineation of acceptable hunting practices would be left to local tribunals. Any infractions against such laws would be outside of the criminal law and those violating them would not have criminal records.
The other proposal that was advanced by laywer Gordon Nardell would institute a Scottish-style ban on all fox hunting with dogs, with some exemptions for using dogs to flush out foxes so they can be shot.
During the last legislative session, the House of Commons voted for a complete ban on all fox hunting with hounds, while the House of Lords voted for an alternative bill that would allow fox hunting ot continue but under greater regulatory oversight.
As many as one million sporters of fox hunting are expected to turn out later this month to protest in favor of continued fox hunting with hounds.
Sources:
Compromise bill on hunting ‘within weeks’. The Daily Telegraph (London), September 12, 2002.
Hunt tribunal plan. Charles Clover, The Daily Telegraph (London), September 12, 2002.