ABSTRACT
But by the end of the twentieth century, the situation had been transformed, particularly with regard to the hunting of certain mammals with hounds, either on foot or on horseback. In 2004 a ban on all hunting with dogs was enacted by a Labour government, which had a large parliamentary majority for only the second time in a century. It had a clear manifesto commitment allowing government time for a free vote. Despite the ambivalence of the party’s leadership, the legislation was enacted with cross-party support and the backing of a significant majority of the public, in both town and countryside.2 Shooting and fishing remained unaffected and continued to be well supported and defended against attacks from abolitionists and some animal rights activists. The outcome of the legislation remains controversial as it is not clear at the time of this book’s publication whether the ban is fully enforceable or if it is likely to be reversed in the future, although the number of MPs who support hunting in Parliament makes such a reversal unlikely. Hunting remains ‘at bay’, like the stag nearing the end of the hunt waiting to face the hounds. Will hunting with hounds continue to be banned in line with public opinion or will it escape, albeit in a new incarnation with revised rules or licensing concerning the way hunted animals are killed?
