Hunt ban challenge hits courts

THE ATTORNEY General Lord Goldsmith is expected to appear in the High Court in person on Tues (Jan 25) to defend the Hunting Act, reports the Daily Telegraph.

The Act is being challenged by the Countryside Alliance which will ask the Court to rule that the 1949 Parliament Act, used to pass the Hunting Act, is invalid.

Sir Sydney Kentridge, QC for the alliance, will argue that “the Hunting Act 2004 is not an Act of Parliament and is of no legal effect”.

A judgement is expected on Fri (Jan 28) allowing for an appeal before Feb 18, when the ban on hunting with dogs is due to come into force.

The paper also reports that the alliance will launch a separate claim under the Human Rights Act on Mon (Jan 24).

This claim will argue that the Act “interferes with the right to respect for private life; freedom of assembly and peaceful enjoyment of possessions”.