Earlier today Stephen wrote to the Environment Secretary, Steve Reed, asking if the government had plans to strengthen the Hunting Act (2004).
In recent weeks, Stephen has been contacted by a number of East Ham residents who have signed the Protect the Wild petition. The petition asks that Ministers ban trail hunting. It notes that current legislation includes several exemptions which allow the use of a maximum of two dogs for certain hunting activities.
In his letter Stephen called for a full ban that removes “all exemptions and ensures all wild animals are fully protected from being chased and killed illegally.” Such a commitment was included in the Government’s manifesto last year.
Having sent the letter, Stephen said “I am grateful for my constituents getting in touch about this, I stand firmly behind this government’s commitment to ban trail hunting. This will provide significant protections for wild animals including foxes and hares.
“I understand ministers are currently undertaking work to determine the best approach, and hope an announcement will be made soon.’