The Hunting Act was back in the news this morning and, as ever, speculation about its repeal is rife. The Daily Telegraph suggested that a repeal Bill could be brought forward this year, whilst the Daily Mail and Times take the view that it will not. The Mail reports that a senior Government source said: "There will be a motion on a free vote in the House of Commons. The coalition will bring forward that motion enabling the House to express a view on repealing hunting. If the view is yes, that will require further legislation and there will be a repeal Bill", which accords with the Conservative manifesto commitment. Read more on the Alliance blog.
Congratulations to Michael Scott, Huntsman of the Old Berks, for winning the Huntsman's Race for Repeal at the inaugural Countryside Race Day at Ascot on Sunday 18th April. Michael rode Roodolph to victory, just ahead of the Beaufort's Tony Holdsworth on Trade Centre and the Quantock Staghounds' Richard Down on Ceepeegee. The Race Day was a great success, raising thousands for the Countryside Alliance's campaigning funds, and all eleven participanting huntsman's efforts are much appreciated. The race was the highlight of the day and drew the biggest cheer, alongside the parade of the Vale of Aylesbury with Garth and South Berks hounds and displays showcasing other country sports. You can still salute the 11 huntsmen's achievement by sponsoring them - click here.View the photo gallery and watch Michael's victory in the Race for Repeal here.
Hundreds of thousands of people came out to support their local hunts at meets across the country today, but the worst Christmas weather for many years means that hunting has been curtailed in many places. The Countryside Alliance says the crowds send a clear message to the next Government: “give Parliament a vote to scrap the Act”. (......read on for a round up of Boxing Day media coverage.)
New research published by the Countryside Alliance on the biggest hunting day of the year shows that 57% of people believe the Hunting Act is not working. Nearly half of the population (49%) also believes that a new Government should either repeal the Act or give Parliament a free vote.
Hunts across the country are holding opening meets this Saturday at the start of what could be the last season under the Hunting Act. A new survey* from the Countryside Alliance has revealed that the campaign for repeal is receiving record levels of support.
The prosecution against John Harrison, Huntsman of the Ullswater Foxhounds has collapsed today at Penrith Magistrates Court, after the Judge accepted a submission that there was no case to answer. Seven employees of animal rights organisations had filmed Mr Harrison hunting in November 2008. The prosecution claimed that he was illegally pursuing foxes, but District Judge Chalk ruled that there was no evidence that he had pursued an “identifiable mammal at any stage”
.jpg "Repeal would benefit hounds")
The Hunting Act was back in the news this morning and, as ever, speculation about its repeal is rife. The 
Congratulations to Michael Scott, Huntsman of the Old Berks, for winning the Huntsman's Race for Repeal at the inaugural Countryside Race Day at Ascot on Sunday 18th April. Michael rode Roodolph to victory, just ahead of the Beaufort's Tony Holdsworth on Trade Centre and the Quantock Staghounds' Richard Down on Ceepeegee. The Race Day was a great success, raising thousands for the Countryside Alliance's campaigning funds, and all eleven participanting huntsman's efforts are much appreciated. The race was the highlight of the day and drew the biggest cheer, alongside the parade of the Vale of Aylesbury with Garth and South Berks hounds and displays showcasing other country sports. You can still salute the 11 huntsmen's achievement by sponsoring them - click 
New research published by the Countryside Alliance on the biggest hunting day of the year shows that 57% of people believe the Hunting Act is not working. Nearly half of the population (49%) also believes that a new Government should either repeal the Act or give Parliament a free vote.
Hunts across the country are holding opening meets this Saturday at the start of what could be the last season under the Hunting Act. A new survey* from the Countryside Alliance has revealed that the campaign for repeal is receiving record levels of support.
