Verify Humanity has joined The New Hunting Ban

Closing the Legal Loopholes of Hunting

In the twenty years since hunting wild mammals with hounds was outlawed, hunts have continued to proceed whilst largely evading prosecution, despite the lobbying and outcries of wildlife organisations.  In preparation for a government consultation on the much-needed legislative changes to the Hunting Act 2004, Verify Humanity is proud to serve on an advisory board (known as Change Network) which will propose legislation to close legal loopholes and deliver a real ban on hunting.

Change Network - Leading the Fight For Change

Verify Humanity recently met in the House of Commons to discuss potential legislative changes to ensure a comprehensive ban on the hunting of wild mammals (fox, stags, hares etc) with dogs.  The meeting was hosted by The New Hunting Ban (Rhys Giles, the Director and Rebecca Reddington, Legal Counsel) and Neil Duncan-Jordan, MP for Poole.  It was attended by Verify Humanity (Kate Fox, the Founder and Reby Daniels, Legal Adviser), supporting Members of Parliament (Perran Moon, Jayne Kirkham, and Sean Woodcock), and representatives from Action Against Fox Hunting (AAF), Protect the Wild and the RSPCA.

Intent to Kill - Recklessness Clause

One of the biggest barriers that prevents wildlife criminals from being convicted of illegal hunting crimes is the need to prove “intent” to chase and kill wildlife in a court of law.  This is not easy.  Consequently, many wildlife criminals go free, as they argue the death was an accident.  At the Change Network meeting, the potential introduction of a ‘recklessness clause’ was discussed, which would allow for the prosecution of hunters who act in a way that risks the lives of animals. By definition, any "accidental" killing of an animal would be considered reckless.  The clause would help successfully convict hunters for the deaths of both their intended prey as well as the deaths of livestock and family pets, helping to close this loop of injustice.