Government launches consultation on proposed trail hunting ban

The UK Government has launched a public consultation on proposals to prohibit trail hunting in England and Wales, inviting views from across the rural and wider community.

The consultation, which opened on 26 March 2026 and closes on 18 June 2026, seeks feedback on how a potential ban could be implemented and what impacts it may have.

Trail hunting, which involves laying a scent trail for hounds to follow, has grown in popularity since the Hunting Act 2004 as an alternative to hunting wild mammals. However, concerns have been raised about the risk of hounds picking up the scent of live animals, as well as claims that trail hunting can be used to disguise illegal hunting.

In light of these concerns, the Government has proposed introducing a ban and is now consulting on the detail of how this would work in practice.

Key areas under consideration include how trail hunting should be defined in legislation, whether additional legal changes would be required to make a ban effective, and the use of animal-based scents in training dogs.

The consultation also seeks views on the potential impact of a ban on related activities, including equestrian events and rural businesses, as well as the welfare of dogs currently used for trail hunting.

Wider considerations include the possible social, economic and environmental effects of such a move, with responses welcomed from members of the public, landowners, conservation groups, animal welfare organisations and industry representatives.

Alongside the Government consultation, organisations such as the Countryside Alliance are encouraging individuals to submit their views as part of the process.

The outcome of the consultation will help inform the Government’s next steps on whether to introduce legislation to ban trail hunting in England and Wales.

Readers can find more information and take part in the consultation via the official Defra website.

The Countryside Alliance also has a dedicated page for responses.