Anger at threat to rough shooting

3 March 2000



Anger at threat to rough shooting

COUNTRYSIDE campaigners have reacted with fury after learning that the Bill to ban fox hunting in Scotland could also mean the end of rough shooting.

If the private members Bill becomes law, it will criminalise anyone shooting a mammal with more than one dog, unless they have a special licence.

The Daily Telegraph reports that this seem to contradict a pledge made by Tony Blair that shooting would not be banned.

The Bill, sponsored by Lord Watson of Invergowrie, would also allow police to seize vehicles and pet dogs and arrest anyone suspected of committing an offence or intending to commit an offence.

The Countryside Alliance in Scotland criticised the “draconian powers” of the Bill, and said it would be unenforceable.

• Alliance fails to block Scots hunt bill, FWi, 17 February, 2000
• Hunt ban impact grossly exaggerated, FWi, 16 November, 1999
• English to defy Scottish hunt ban, FWi, 06 August, 1999
• The Daily Telegraph 02/03/2000 page 1 and 2
• The Times 02/03/2000 page 10