Downing Street has rebuked Nigel Farage for criticizing ministers as “authoritarian control freaks” regarding their proposal to prohibit trail hunting.
Trail hunting involves following a laid-out scent rather than pursuing real animals, introduced as a substitute for fox hunting, which was outlawed by the Labour party in 2004.
Concerns have been raised by campaigners that foxes still suffer injuries from dogs during hunts, with claims that trail hunting is a cover for illegal fox hunting.
Labour has pledged to end this practice as part of its Animal Welfare Strategy, unveiled recently, prompting backlash from the Tories and Reform UK.
Mr. Farage, known for participating in Boxing Day hunts, condemned the ministers as “authoritarian control freaks,” while the Conservatives criticized the move as an attack on rural traditions.
Downing Street refuted the accusation of being “control freaks,” emphasizing their commitment to fulfilling manifesto promises.
Campaigners have lauded Labour’s Animal Welfare Strategy, especially the ban on trail hunting, but raised concerns about the lack of specific timelines for implementation.
The Government has announced a comprehensive set of policies to enhance animal welfare, including ending cruel puppy farms, investigating the banning of electric shock collars, and prohibiting trail hunting.
However, the strategy lacks clear deadlines for the proposed measures, aiming to have them in place by the end of 2030.
Owen Sharp from the Dogs Trust praised the strategy but emphasized the need for timely implementation of critical measures.
Green MP Adrian Ramsay called for concrete timelines in the strategy to ensure effective outcomes for animals.
No10 stated that a consultation on trail hunting will commence next year and assured consideration of all recommendations from Baroness Minette Batters’ review on farm profitability.