Could 2026 mark the last Boxing Day Hunt?
Boxing Day hunts could soon be consigned to history after the Government announced plans to ban trail hunting, a move backed by Alex Mayer MP.
Campaigners say trail hunting, which involves laying an animal-based scent for hounds to follow, has been used as a cover for illegal hunting, with evidence of animals still being chased and killed.
Local MP Alex Mayer has long backed calls for tougher animal welfare laws and has welcomed plans to ban trail hunting.
Alex Mayer MP said: “This is about tackling a loophole that has allowed illegal hunting to continue. Trail hunting has been used as a smokescreen for cruelty, and it’s right that the Labour Government is acting. I’ve never had a problem with the spectacle of riders on horseback taking part in centuries-old Boxing Day parades through villages and towns. People can wear what they want, blow horns and ride responsibly. But killing animals for fun, that has to end. It’s not the mark of a civilised society.”
Animal Welfare Minister Baroness Hayman added: “In our manifesto we said we would ban trail hunting, and that’s exactly what we’ll do. There is evidence that trail hunting is being used as a smokescreen for the hunting of wild animals, and that’s not acceptable.”
Figures from the League Against Cruel Sports recorded 264 incidents of illegal hunting last year.