FLIGHTS OF FANCY – THE BIRD OF PREY EXEMPTION
At the end of March, the government launched its long-awaited consultation on how to ban ‘trail hunting’. This is a once in a generation opportunity to finally blow away that smokescreen and close the many loopholes in the 2004 Hunting Act.
But there are now just six weeks to complete the consultation, which closes on the 18th June 2026. To make sure your voice is heard, the HSA has produced guidance on completing the consultation which you can find here.
One of the most outrageous loopholes is the so-called Bird of Prey exemption, which was included in the 2004 Hunting Act to allow the bloodsport of falconry to continue once hunting with hounds had been banned.
Incredibly, some hunters have used this loophole to continue fox hunting for over twenty years. The hunt simply carries on as it did pre-ban but take along a bedraggled bird of prey which they claim will used to kill any foxes flushed by the hounds.
It would be funny if it were not so utterly cynical and cruel.
Even the Hawk Board, falconry’s governing body – which has strong links to the Countryside Alliance – state that foxes are not a recognised quarry. They further state that by exploiting this loophole, hunters create serious welfare concerns for both the bird and the hounds.
Although this loophole is not widely used, the fact that it is used at all shows the utterly ruthless determination of fox hunters to exploit any loophole they can find – it is for this reason that the HSA is calling for the removal of ALL exemptions in addition to many other measures.
Please help make hunting history by completing the consultation today.
The government has launched a public consultation on Trail Hunting – this is our chance to stop cruel hunting for good. You can read the HSA’s guidance and take part in the consultation here. The deadline is 18th June 2026 – make sure your voice is heard.
Take part in the Trail Hunting Consultation now:
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