UK Senior Police Officer Admits Trail Hunting Is Being Used as a ‘Smokescreen’ for Crime

UK Senior Police Officer Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman has admitted that trail hunting is being used as a "smokescreen" for illegal hunting activities, despite the ban on fox hunting that was put in place 20 years ago. Longman believes that the illegality is widespread, rejecting the idea that it is only a few individuals breaking the law. The British Hound Sports Association has criticized Longman for listening to the propaganda spread by anti-hunting activists.

Efforts to tighten the ban on trail hunting have been proposed by the Labour government, prompting the police to be more vocal about the issue. Since the ban was enacted, hunt monitors have reported ongoing illegal hunting activities by exploiting exemptions in the law or engaging in trail hunting to create a false alibi. With a stronger Hunting Act and a more willing police force, it is hoped that prosecuting illegal hunters will become easier in the future.