Debate and controversy dogs interpretation of hunting laws

Published on Tuesday 1 September 2009 21:37

THE first area of the United Kingdom to outlaw hare coursing was Scotland. The Protection of Wild Mammals (Scotland) Act, passed by the Scottish Parliament in February 2002, banned traditional foxhunting, fox baiting and hare coursing.

Courts can impose fines of up to 5,000, imprison offenders for a maximum of six months, or take both options.

However, a joint review by the police and prosecution inspectorates last year accused some forces of downgrading the significance of crimes against protected species, breaching their own guidelines and professional standards.

In England, similar bans have been in place since the introduction of the Hunting Act 2004. Precise interpretation of the legislation has constantly been the subject of debate.

Earlier this year, for example, the High Court ruled the burden of proof on whether a huntsman is acting illegally lies with the prosecution – a judgment which hunts say fatally weakens the Hunting Act and will eventually force it to be repealed.