Group urges Trust to ban Long Mynd hunts
The National Trust has been called on to permanently ban the South Shropshire Hunt from its land on the Long Mynd estate.
The League Against Cruel Sports has written to the trust asking for the hunt never to be allowed again on land managed by the conservation charity.
In January, the hunt had its trail hunting licence suspended after a photographs were taken by Shropshire-based protesters of foxes escaping from hounds.
Chris Luffingham, director of campaigns at the League Against Cruel Sports, said: “On behalf of the 85 per cent of the population who oppose the brutal blood sport of fox hunting, we call upon the National Trust to act decisively and ban the South Shropshire Hunt from their land for good.
“To allow them back on National Trust land would be a grievous error in judgement and a betrayal of the reasons for which they were suspended.”
Allowed
Hunting with dogs was banned in England and Wales for 14 years, however, trail hunting is legal and is allowed on some National Trust properties.
The trust said it involves people on foot or horseback following a scent along a pre-determined route with hounds or beagles and replicates a traditional hunt without a fox being chased, hunted or killed.
But Mr Luffingham said trail hunting does often end with the death of a fox.
He is also asking on other National Trust properties to ban the act on their land. “We would also call on the National Trust to stop issuing trail hunting licences elsewhere,” he added.
“Banning the hunts already suspended will undoubtedly get the backing of a grateful animal loving British public.”
Paul Adcock from the National Trust said a decision has not yet been made regarding next season’s trail hunt licences.
The South Shropshire Hunt did not wish to comment.
