Alliance between hunts and landowners to encourage legal hunting

A new self-regulating association has been proposed in order to promote legal hunting practices, by creating an alliance between hunts and landowners.

Gavin Grant, chief executive of the RSPCA, proposed the "trial and drag hunt" association to ensure that countryside pursuits can be enjoyed without breaking the law.

Trial and drag hunting both involve laying an artificially-placed scent, such as animal meats or urine, which are dragged over a pre-planned course for hounds to hunt.

Speaking at the CLA Game Fair in Warwickshire on July 19, Mr Grant explained that hunts sign up to the association, and landowners allow only members to have access to their property.

Mr Grant said: "I seek common ground with all those who share our passion for enjoying our countryside, respecting our wildlife and obeying the law while being out with their dogs and horses…

"[There is a] need for responsible landowners to be reassured as to hunts obeying the law. I want to work closely with rural groups and communities; that way we can all continue to enjoy the truly great British countryside."

During the game fair, which was attended by rural businesses and organisations, as well as sports enthusiasts, Mr Grant urged hunts to sign up to the association, and landowners to encourage legal hunting practices by allowing only members onto their properties.