Greens: SNP foxhunting proposals risk failure
The new Hunting with Dogs Bill may fail to stop foxhunting in Scotland in its current form, the Scottish Greens have warned.
The new proposed bill is published today for consideration by parliament but will only be backed by Green MSPs if it delivers a watertight ban on foxhunting.
Under the proposals, hunts will need a license to use more than two dogs, despite the Scottish Government’s own independent review suggesting this approach would not make a difference.
Commenting, Scottish Greens spokesperson for rural affairs Ariane Burgess said: “Most people think fox hunting is already banned in Scotland, but loopholes in the law mean that hunting continues much as it did. Sadly, in its current form this bill closes one loophole while risks opening another so that this bloodthirsty practice can continue.
“Polls have repeatedly shown that the public back an outright ban, yet the Scottish Government continues to tinker around the edges. That’s why blood sports remain an area excluded from the Bute House Agreement and why this bill will need to deliver a real watertight ban if it is to get the backing of Scottish Green MSPs.”