Observing the Grafton Hunt

On 29 November, I joined members of the North London Hunt Saboteurs in Northamptonshire as they monitored the Grafton Hunt.

The purpose of the observation was to ensure that no foxes were harmed during the meet and to see how hunting with hounds operates in practice under the current law.

What I Saw and What It Means

1. The Hunting Act isn’t fit for purpose.

Although the Hunting Act made hunting wildlife with dogs illegal, the way it’s written means it’s difficult to enforce effectively — especially when hunts use alternative forms that blur the lines of legality.

2. “Trail hunting” is regularly used as a cover for real hunting.

Trail hunting was introduced as a way for hounds to follow an artificially laid scent, rather than chase live animals, after hunting with dogs was banned. In theory, the scent is supposed to be laid in advance along a pre-planned route, away from areas where foxes are likely to be present, and with clear records kept of where and when the trail is laid.

In practice, however, this distinction is often difficult to verify on the ground. Hunts typically use the same packs of hounds, the same countryside routes, and similar methods to those used before the ban. When hounds pick up the scent of a live fox, it can be hard to establish whether this was accidental or foreseeable, and enforcement relies heavily on intent, which is challenging to prove.

As a result, police leaders and animal welfare organisations have raised concerns that trail hunting is being exploited as a legal cover for hunting foxes, describing it as a “smokescreen” that allows illegal activity to continue while appearing to comply with the law.

3. Recent footage and reports show continued impacts on wildlife and communities.

For example, footage of hounds disturbing a woodland burial site in North Yorkshire has highlighted ongoing problems with hunts operating beyond the spirit of the law.

I’ll keep campaigning to ensure Labour delivers on our manifesto commitment to strengthen the Hunting Act and finally consign hunting animals for sport to the history books.