Holderness Boxing Day trail hunt takes place as ban looms

Boxing Day trail hunts were held in East Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, days after the government announced plans to ban the sport.

Fox hunting was made illegal 20 years ago, but the government now plans to do so too ban trail huntingWhere hunting dogs follow a predetermined scent rather than chasing a live animal. The goal is to replicate the tracking of an animal without needing to kill it.

Laurence Bradley of Hull Wildlife Protectors, who previously protested the Holderness Hunt at Beverley Westwood, said he thought the ban was “long overdue”.

Polly Portwin, of the Countryside Alliance, said the group would “fight tooth and nail” against the proposed change.

Holderness Hunt master Gerrard Farmer said: “There are no wild animals interfered with in any way. We go to great lengths to alleviate any problems that may arise.”

He added: “All these people on horseback today are going out into the countryside to ride, have some fun, socialise, get physical and mental health.

“This is a really important feature and shouldn’t just be brushed aside.”

Meetings were also held in Coleby and Grange De Lings, Lincolnshire.

The government announced its commitment to ban tracking hunting on Monday as part of its new animal welfare strategy.

Ms Portwin said the Countryside Alliance wanted to find a way to “protect those jobs and homes for game personnel and protect our game herds”.

He added: “We are resilient and determined to stay together as a community, which is so important for so many people living in Lincolnshire.”

Animal Welfare Minister Baroness Hayman has previously shared concerns that stalking is becoming widespread. Used as a “smoke screen” He said hunting wild animals was “unacceptable”.

Mr Bradley acknowledged this and claimed some hunting parties were “continuing as before”. [fox hunting] Forbidden”.

Charlotte Smith, co-founder of Hull Wildlife Protectors, said: “For decades hunts have been conducted under a smokescreen that continues to kill wildlife.

“Our immediate concern with this change is for greyhounds.

“What we want hunters to do is stop breeding them and work with reputable rescues to re-kennel the dogs.”

The government did not give a timeframe for the ban to come into force, but “We are determined” to ban sports and “will determine next steps in due course”.