Open consultation

Proposals to prohibit trail hunting in England and Wales

From:
Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs
Published
26 March 2026

Applies to England and Wales

Summary

Inviting views on the government’s proposed approach to implementing a ban on trail hunting in England and Wales.

This consultation is being held on another website.

This consultation closes at

Consultation description

This consultation invites views on the government’s proposed approach to legislating, including:

  • how trail hunting should be defined for the purpose of a ban
  • whether any other legislative changes are needed to ensure that a ban is effective
  • the use of animal based scents in training dogs
  • whether any other equestrian activities are at risk from being affected by the proposed ban on trail hunting
  • how the introduction of a ban might affect dogs used for trail hunting

Additionally, the consultation invites views on any community, social, business, economic or environmental impacts potentially associated with a ban, and how it is brought into effect.

We welcome views from:

  • the public
  • landowners
  • conservation organisations
  • animal welfare groups
  • hunt organisers
  • local authorities
  • businesses and their representatives
  • any other interested parties

Updates to this page

Published 26 March 2026

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