News Beat
Trail hunting ban: The Holcombe Hunt club speaks out
Trail hunting mimics a traditional hunt, with dogs following a pre-laid, animal-based scent such as fox urine, while a group of hunters follows the pack on horseback.
The activity has remained legal since the 2004 hunting ban came into force, as it did not explicitly involve killing animals such as foxes.
But the Government fears it is being used as a “smokescreen” for chasing and killing wild animals – something that a member of the Bury-based hunt club vehemently denies.
The Holcombe Hunt boasts centuries of tradition and is one of the oldest hunts in the country, dating back to 1086.
It’s well-known for its Boxing Day Hunt, which takes place in Pleasington, Blackburn.
Sue Simmons has been the senior master of the hunt for the past 17 seasons.
Speaking to the Bury Times on the proposed ban, she said: “It’s an absolute outrage. Our trail hunts are carried out in full compliance with the law.
“We are one of the oldest traditional hunts in England. We are a harrier pack, not fox hounds, with a history dating back hundreds of years.
“We are preserving the costume, tradition and etiquette of the hunt. It provides entertainment for members of all ages, from tots on their ponies led by their parents to OAPs who can still ride.
“It’s a law-abiding group sport providing social interaction and community, helping to prevent social isolation and bring people together.”
Sue explained that The Holcombe Hunt’s 50-strong pack of Stud Book Harriers is one of only five remaining in the UK.
She added: “The Government is pushing the ban on the grounds of animal welfare, but what about the 50 or so hounds we have? What will happen to them if we can’t hunt?
“It also provides income for feed merchants, farriers and so on.
“People break the law driving all the time, but the Government doesn’t ban driving. They get drunk and end up in cells but they don’t ban alcohol.
“It’s all based on hearsay – the ban is utter nonsense. It’s a travesty on our personal freedom and what we fought wars for.
“As a club, we have always been very open. MPs, police and members of the public are always welcome to join the hunt and are invited to come to our kennels and see what we do.”
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Environment minister Baroness Hayman of Ullock said: “In our manifesto, we said we would ban trail hunting and that’s exactly what we’ll do.
“There is evidence that trail hunting is being used a smokescreen for the hunting of wild animals, and that’s not acceptable.
“We are working out the best approach to take the ban forward and will run a consultation to seek views in the new year.”
The strategy includes a series of reforms aimed at improving the welfare of pets, farmed animals and wildlife across the UK, including banning shock collars for dogs.
It builds on law changes introduced in Parliament over the last year, which crack down on puppy smuggling and imposing larger penalties for worrying livestock.
The Holcombe Hunt’s Boxing Day hunt takes place at 12pm from the Railway Hotel pub in Pleasington, Blackburn.
Those who would like to learn more about hunt can find the Holcombe Hunt Supporters Club page via Facebook.
