Government Response

The Government responded to this petition on Friday 27th March 2026

On 26 March 2026 Defra launched a consultation seeking views on how to deliver a ban in England and Wales which can be accessed here: https://consult.defra.gov.uk/defra/trail-hunting-consultation.

This Government is committed to enacting an effective, enforceable ban on trail hunting, that protects our countryside, wildlife and rural communities. On 26 March 2026 Defra launched a consultation seeking views on how to deliver a ban in England and Wales. The consultation can be accessed on Citizen Space:

https://consult.defra.gov.uk/defra/trail-hunting-consultation.

The consultation lasts for 12 weeks and will close on 18 June 2026.

This consultation seeks views on how an effective ban on trail hunting might best be accomplished, including with regard to:
· How trail hunting should be defined for the purposes of a ban
· How to ensure that the ban on trail hunting will not inadvertently affect other activities which we intend should remain lawful such as drag hunting or ‘clean boot’ hunting
· Whether it should remain lawful to use animal-based scent trails when training dogs for specific purposes
· Considerations relevant to the timing of introducing the ban
· The potential community, social, business, economic and environmental impacts of the proposed approach to banning trail hunting

The Government recognises the importance of rural pursuits and wants to protect them for future generations. Alternative practices, such as drag hunting and clean boot hunting, which do not use animal-based scents, are intended to remain unaffected under the plans.

Defra welcomes views from all those with an interest and all responses to the consultation will be considered carefully in developing proposals for a ban. A summary of responses to the consultation will be published in due course.

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs