England and Wales law on foxhunting unworkable, says police chief Trail hunts used as a loophole for unlawful chasing and killing of animals, Matt Longman tells campaigners England’s most senior police officer on foxhunting has said the law on the crime is not working because it permits trail hunts that have become a “smokescreen” for the continued illegal persecution of animals. Ch Supt Matt Longman, the National Police Chiefs’ Council lead on foxhunting, was speaking at the launch of a coalition against illegal hunting led by the League Against Cruel Sports and backed by more than 30 charities including the RSPCA. Longman, the police commander for Plymouth, said: “The Hunting Act is not working effectively and illegal hunting is still common practice.” Under the act, hunting mammals with hounds is banned but trail hunts using the scent of animals are allowed to take place. Longman said hunts were using trail hunts as a loophole to carry on hunting foxes and other animals. He said:
Post: 20 November 09:16