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Respond to trail hunting consultation to prevent unintended consequences for working dogs

BASC’s Fliss Winters stresses the potential consequences of the government’s intended ban on trail hunting on working dogs across the board, and shares details of how you can help by responding to the public consultation.

Trail hunting is an emotive subject. Whether you are for or against the government’s proposed ban on it, or you are neutral with no opinion either way, it’s important to consider the wider impact the current proposed wording will have on other working dogs. 

The issue is currently the subject of a Defra public consultation, which closes on 18 June 2026. If the government proceeds with its intention to prohibit trail hunting and that ban is in line with the proposed wording around “animal-based scent” – focusing on mammalian scent – this will have an impact on other activities. These include:

  • The use of dogs for tracking wounded deer, which will have negative welfare implications.
  • The use of dogs for predator and pest control activities, which will negatively impact nature recovery.
  • Gundog training, whether for work in the field, or for pet dog owners seeking breed specific fulfilment.
  • Royal Kennel Club gundog field trials and working tests.
  • Detection work related to wildlife, ecology and environmental research.

BASC is opposed to the government’s proposal to prohibit trail hunting in England and Wales. If trail hunting is banned, then the exemptions for the use of dogs currently in place under the Hunting Act 2004 must be retained.

Those exemptions include stalking and flushing, the use of dogs below ground, the control of rats and rabbits, the retrieval of hares, the use of falconry, the recapture of a wild mammal, the rescue of an injured wild mammal, and for research and observation.

What is BASC's position on trail hunting?

BASC supports trail hunting conducted according to the law, which involves laying an animal-based scent trail for dogs to follow. Those who wish to see it banned claim this countryside activity is used as a smokescreen to facilitate illegal hunting. 

Trail hunting preserves many of the traditions and rural skills present in the hunting of foxes and other mammals with dogs. It provides social connections, recreation and exercise for those taking part, whether mounted or on foot, and benefits the wider rural economy. 

BASC believes that it is for landowners and managers to determine, within the law, which recreational activities take place on their land, and therefore BASC is opposed to the government’s proposal to prohibit trail hunting in England and Wales.

Rather than prohibiting trail hunting, the government should prioritise the consistent and effective enforcement of existing legislation, ensuring that it is applied proportionately and fairly. A balanced approach would better support rural communities while upholding animal welfare and the rule of law.

What can you do to help?

We need your help to fight a ban on trail hunting by responding to the public consultation before it closes on 18 June 2026. A link to the consultation can be found here.

You can also write to your MP. Voice your concerns and ask for exemptions to be made, and tell them how you or your business might be affected by this ban.  Find out who your MP is here, if you’re not sure. 

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BASC Media team