a final SOLUTION:
animal offenders register (aor)
“Not being able to hunt is the only meaningful solution to an entitled sector that feels it is its birthright to ravage the countryside of its remaining wildlife.”
(Kate Fox, Verify Humanity Founder)
It seems increasingly likely that Trail Hunting will soon be outlawed. This will be a major win for us in the fight against hunting mammals with hounds, but there is a risk that Trail Hunters will flood legal Drag and Clean Boot hunting in order to circumvent the law and continue their cruelty. As there is currently no mandatory background verification for these hunts, there is a risk that individuals with prior hunting or animal cruelty convictions could reoffend. We must ensure that, in the aftermath of outlawing trail hunting, other hunting activities become formally regulated so that animals are genuinely protected.
our proposal
Verify Humanity is recommending the establishment of an Animal Offenders Register (AOR), which would record individuals convicted of wildlife-related offences. When linked with a Standard DBS check, this would prevent anyone working, or participating in a hunt if they have been previously convicted, cautioned, reprimanded or warned of animal or hunting offences.
oUTCOME
This will stop those with a proven record of animal cruelty in Trail Hunting from regaining access to Drag and Clean Boot hunts. This could include positions such as the Master of the hounds and the Hunt Secretary.
The AOR could also be used to verify applicants seeking land-use permission for hunts.
The establishment of the AOR will incentivise individuals in Drag and Clean Boot hunts to act within the law, as a potential ban could be a greater deterrent than fines.
It will also aid hunts, councils, and the police in enforcing the law.