Are they listening ? Written by Matt of The League Against Cruel Sports on 20 April, 2011 : 10:13
Another day another petition but this one has generated a curious response from none other than Her Majesty’s Government (HMG). It is no secret to League supporters that the Hunting Act has not been universally welcomed by those who would continue to persecute wild mammals in the name of sport. Despite this the League has always tried to engage in debate with our opposition to articulate the belief that cruelty to animals in the name of sport is unequivocally unacceptable.
However looking at the response from HMG one could be forgiven for thinking one of two thoughts: either HMG isn’t listening to the facts or it is being deliberately obtuse. The reponse says the following:
The Hunting Act was passed by Parliament in 2004. It has not been a demonstrable success, and is difficult to enforce. It is an unnecessary drain on police resources and there have been few prosecutions.
Really? Out performing simillar wildlife legislation since its introduction, is that not evidence of success, even demonstrable success?
Difficult to enforce? Difficult for whom? The police forces throughout England and Wales that regularly use the Hunting Act don’t seem to think so.
Few prosecutions?? According to which figures? The Ministry of Justice – need we remind HMG what the MoJ is!!? – records an extraordinary conviction rate for the Hunting Act.
This would be laughable if it wasn’t for the fact that HMG, in the face of massive public opposition, is insistent on trying to repeal the Hunting Act. In light of this the League asks all of you who care to keep reminding parliamentarians just how strongly you feel about this issue.
