British Expatriate Network

The UK pro-hunting brigade had another appeal overturned during the week after challenging the validity of the Parliament Act. I don't actually feel that strongly either way on the subject but I am interested to find out whether the ban has had the massive detrimental effect that it was predicted to do on the countryside way of life.

Also anyone know whether hunts are carrying on regardless of the law? As far as I could see the law was rife with ambiguity which is why the House of Lords didn't support it. For instance I think going out with two dogs isn't against the law and therefore you could have a number of people each with two dogs. Also its not breaking the law if your pack of dogs caught a fox "by accident". Lastly, what happens if your three pet dogs chase and catch a squirrel; are you breaking the law?

The pro-hunters legal team were really clutching at straws by challenging the Parliament Act but I think that they have a real chance with the next appeal which will be under European human rights laws.

i could be wrong but I'm under the impression that hunting with dogs, especially lurchers has been forbidden.

That's what I mean. It isn't illegal to hunt rabbits with your lurchers or hounds and if they catch a fox then it is an accident and doesn't matter. And you can use two dogs to dig out a fox to shoot it, then if the dogs kill the fox that too is an accident.

Seems like a poorly prepared law that was rushed through to please the general public. They should have spent the time changing the licencing laws instead.

Hunts are still very much being undertaken - pretty much as if no ban was imposed at all. When I visit my UK political websites I browse through anenglishmanscastle.com and TimWorstall.com and they frequently post photos of hunts and express their pride in them. Don't see the importance of the whole thing myself but then it was never part of my way of life.

Anyone else fancy grabbing one of these bloodsport enthusiasts and taking him out for a weekend with my gun collection?

/just as "sporting" as fox-hunting

I'm sure they'll amend the law to make sure this idiots don't have some way to weasel away with their hunts.

You'd think, but from alot of what I've read either the authorities have no desire to enforce the law, or are in some way involved in the whole shabang anyways. It's illegal - give it a rest.

I can't see how ripping animals to shreds for fun can be a human right.

You're absolutely right, but the legal team will play on the loss of livelihood aspect which I think the European Courts will be sympathetic to. Plus they love shafting the British Government.

I told you it was a shit law.



http//news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/4358006.stm