Should hunting with hounds be banned?

Should hunting with hounds be banned?

19 Sep 2002

Andrew Sutcliffe QC chairs this debate about the hunting ban.

Arguing in favour of the motion are John Bryant and Professor Stephen Harris.

John Bryant speaks about the larger concern of the ban on hunting with hounds; he explains that the issue is as much about democracy working correctly as it is about cruelty to animals. The ban has been voted for a number of times and yet the law has not yet been passed.

Stephen Harris says that propaganda is used to misguide the public about the hunters' views on foxes and that hunting does not provide a utilitarian function. So, he argues, the activity is a simple case of cruelty to animals.

Arguing against the motion are Lord Mancroft and Roger Scruton.

Lord Mancroft criticises his opponents for trying to force their views rather than arguing with reason. He says that the scientific community and the farming community do not conclusively agree that hunting should be banned and that there is a lack of scientific evidence.

Roger Scruton argues that his minority is under attack and that safeguards exist for the very reason of protecting the rights of minority groups. He explains that hunting enables him and his neighbours to manage and coexist with their local community of foxes.

Final vote: 78 For, 182 Against