Wednesday 16th February 2005
Dartmoor hunts "will abide by the law" | |
|  | | From now on, the hounds will have to chase a scent rather than the real thing |
| | Hunts on Dartmoor say they will comply with the new ban on hunting with dogs. The League Against Cruel Sports has welcomed the news, but says it will monitor the hunts' activities. |
| | | The five Dartmoor hunts have re-assured national park bosses they will comply with the ban on hunting.
The hunts - Dartmoor, Lamerton, Mid Devon, South Devon, and Spooners and West Dartmoor - have held talks with the Dartmoor National Park Authority (DNPA) over legal hunt activities they can take part in as an alternative.
| The BBC Devon website is carrying live coverage of the first day of the hunt on 19th February. Find out more >>> |
As a result, three of the hunts are meeting on Saturday, 19th February - the first day of the ban - but will be holding a "trail hunt", where the hounds follow a scent.
The hunts have also advised the DNPA that they will mirror their existing activities as far as the law will allow, which means that they may exercise the hounds and hold cross-country rides as well as trail hunts.
They have also said that they will seek the permission of landowners where these activities are planned.
 | | The DNPA has welcomed the decision by the hunts |
The hunts say they will continue to undertake legal fox and pest control as far as the law allows.
The DNPA has welcomed the decision by the hunts to abide by the law. The National Park Authority says it will work closely with the hunts to maintain the tradition.
But it wants to ensure that "full respect is afforded to the conservation of Dartmoor, to the enjoyment of other recreational users and the interests of local residents."
John Weir, head of communications at the authority, said: "We've had several meetings with all of the hunts and they all intend to comply with the law.
"They're all adamant their activities will be within the law. They've given assurances and we have to take that at face value. It's good news."
The League Against Cruel Sports in Devon also welcomed the news, but is concerned that the hounds have not been re-trained.
 | | The LACS fears the dogs haven't been re-trained |
Ivor Annetts is on the national committee of the LACS and is also the co-ordinator of the Mid Devon Support Group.
He said: "If they do trail hunts, they'll be doing what we've been urging them to do for decades.
"So we welcome it - it could be the beginning of a new era. On the surface, it's fantastic news.
"But we must be cautious because the hounds haven't been re-trained. We're not sure it will work."
He added: "The League has launched its hunt crimewatch campaign, so if there are any infringements, there will be evidence.
"There will be a League presence on Dartmoor, gathering evidence in the event of an infringement."
Article published: 16th February 2005
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