Labour has announced that it would strengthen the 2004 Hunting Act if elected and remove legal loopholes that campaigners say allow blood sports to continue under the guise of trail hunting.
Convictions have fallen to historic lows, despite claims from hunting groups that the practice is as popular as ever, following cuts that “severely compromised” the work of the National Wildlife Crime Unit (NWCU).
Environmental groups have long criticised the act, saying although many cases are supported by evidence of foxes and hares being killed by hounds, they are often not followed up.
Sue Hayman, the shadow environment secretary, said austerity measures had made convictions for wildlife crimes less likely and urged the government to make hunting laws tougher in order that they are an effective deterrent.
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