Gary.B
17-09-2005, 05:19 PM
Hunts use birds of prey to beat ban Saturday September 17, 03:01 PM
Click to enlarge photo
Falconry experts have expressed their anger that hunts are buying birds of prey in an attempt to the beat the Government ban on full-scale fox-hunting with hounds.
Up to 30 hunts are understood to have bought chiefly golden eagles and eagle owls in the belief that they are acting within the law.
Using dogs to hunt with a bird of prey is an exemption set out in the Hunting Act 2004.
Wanting to protect falconry as a sport, the Government did not restrict the number of dogs that can be used to flush wild mammals for a bird of prey.
Otherwise the law states only two dogs can be used to flush foxes to waiting guns, although a pack of dogs can lawfully follow a scent or drag trail.
Jim Chick, chairman of the Hawk Board, which organises falconry in Britain, said it completely disassociates itself from the unethical practice.
"This is bringing the sport into disrepute," he said. "Firstly there is a welfare issue. Many of the hunts are using people to handle the birds who have just been on a short course. You are not competent to handle a large bird of prey after a short course."
He added it was dangerous to have an eagle with a mounted hunt, as it could lead to a horse throwing a rider.
"A small number of hunts are behaving irresponsibly," he said. "We feel very let down. We supported them and walked the marches and raised funds for them and now this is a slap on the face."
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) confirmed complaints had been made and calls to tighten the law. Anti-hunt campaigners believe that the issue can be settled quickly by a test case in the courts.
Click to enlarge photo
Falconry experts have expressed their anger that hunts are buying birds of prey in an attempt to the beat the Government ban on full-scale fox-hunting with hounds.
Up to 30 hunts are understood to have bought chiefly golden eagles and eagle owls in the belief that they are acting within the law.
Using dogs to hunt with a bird of prey is an exemption set out in the Hunting Act 2004.
Wanting to protect falconry as a sport, the Government did not restrict the number of dogs that can be used to flush wild mammals for a bird of prey.
Otherwise the law states only two dogs can be used to flush foxes to waiting guns, although a pack of dogs can lawfully follow a scent or drag trail.
Jim Chick, chairman of the Hawk Board, which organises falconry in Britain, said it completely disassociates itself from the unethical practice.
"This is bringing the sport into disrepute," he said. "Firstly there is a welfare issue. Many of the hunts are using people to handle the birds who have just been on a short course. You are not competent to handle a large bird of prey after a short course."
He added it was dangerous to have an eagle with a mounted hunt, as it could lead to a horse throwing a rider.
"A small number of hunts are behaving irresponsibly," he said. "We feel very let down. We supported them and walked the marches and raised funds for them and now this is a slap on the face."
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) confirmed complaints had been made and calls to tighten the law. Anti-hunt campaigners believe that the issue can be settled quickly by a test case in the courts.