Two years after ban, hunts attract new followers

Almost two years after the Hunting Act became law amid bloody clashes outside Westminster, huntsmen and women across Britain are turning out in ever- increasing numbers.

According to the rural bible Country Life, "Hunting has risen like Dracula from his grave ... and it is not merely that hunts are clinging to life, they are enjoying unprecedented active support."

Activists have been at pains to issue guidance on how to keep within the rules of the Act, which bans hunting with dogs, although they believe the law will eventually be overturned despite losing a legal challenge in the Court of Appeal.

Isobel Walsh, a Countryside Alliance spokeswoman, said a healthy turnout was expected at Newcomers Week next month before the hunting season offically starts on 1 November - the second since the Act came into force in February last year.

"I have spoken to a lot of people who started hunting last season because they felt so strongly about the law," she said.

One hunt has closed since the ban- the Aldenham Harriers - but supporters insist that it was wound up because of urbanisation of the area rather the legislation. During mass protests before the Act was passed in November 2004, hunt supporters claimed that it would lead to job losses and houndpacks having to be shot.

However, there seemed little evidence of this amid the optimistic claims this week. Ms Walsh said that some jobs had been lost but could not say how many. She added thatthe breeding programme for hounds had been adapted accordingly. A recent British Equestrian Trade Association survey found that hunt followers among regular riders had risen from 10 per cent to 18 per cent in the past six years though the number keeping horses mainly for hunters had dropped by a third.

"A lot of people are working extremely hard and putting in a lot of funds to maintain the infrastructure," said Ms Walsh.

A BBC survey found that 40 per cent of hunts were enjoying increased support.

"The Government has done the community a favour by increasing awareness of hunting," said Ms Walsh.

Yesterday Barry Hugill, of the League Against Cruel Sports, said: "It is absolutely true that most hunts have not disbanded. The league certainly has no objections to people exercising their horses and hounds. What they can't do, and most don't, is actually chase a fox and allow the dogs to tear it apart."

In a report to the police earlier this year, the league said that it had investigated numerous claims of breaches in the law and had found around 40 per cent to be credible. Last month Tony Wright, 52, of Exmoor Foxhounds, became the first person in England or Wales to be convicted for illegal fox hunting with dogs after a private prosecution by the league.