Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to ensure that the activities of (1) those taking part in organised hunts, and (2) those opposed to such hunting, remain within the law.

The Hunting Act 2004 bans all hunting of wild mammals with dogs in England and Wales, except where it is carried out in accordance with the exemptions set out in Schedule 1 to the Act.

The enforcement of the Hunting Act 2004 is an operational matter for the police. The police have issued guidance to forces dealing with hunting issues in the ‘Hunting Act 2004 Investigators Manual’. Enforcement of the legislation will follow this guidance.

Anyone who believes an offence is taking place or has taken place during a hunt, whether it lies with the hunters or protestors, should report the matter to the police.