Statement by the Committee of the Stokesley Farmers' Beagles

Stokesley Farmers' Beagles have a long and proud tradition of hunting brown hares with beagles in North Yorkshire. The Committee has always ensured that hunting takes place in compliance with the law and with respect for the law. Sadly the enactment of the Hunting Act 2004 means that it became illegal, as of 18th February 2005, to hunt hares, as previously, with hounds.

There are legal challenges to the validity of this law and even if these fail there is hope that a change in government will bring a repeal of the Act. But, the current position is that the Hunting Act 2004 came in to effect on the 18th February 2005 and anyone hunting hares as previously with hounds after that date will be committing an offence under this Act. Clearly our established practices of hare hunting ceased to be a legal activity after 17th February 2005.

The Committee remain totally opposed to the introduction of the Hunting Act and to the prejudices behind it. However, we have always had respect for the law, acted in accordance with the law, and believe it is wrong to wilfully break a law no matter how unjust we might consider it to be. While we will continue to oppose the introduction of this flawed legislation and continue to fight it legally and politically we will not knowingly hunt in a manner which is in breach of the Act now that it is in force. The Committee will not support or condone the actions of any individuals who choose to act outside of the law.

It is with regret that the Committee determines that after 17th February 2005 the Stokesley Farmers' Beagles will no longer hunt brown hares as previously. All hunting activities that the Stokesley Farmers' Beagles engage in after the 18th February 2005 will be undertaken in accordance with the Hunting Act 2004. The wording of the Act still allows rabbit hunting, trailing of an artificially laid scent, hound exercise, and the hunting of a shot hare in accordance with the law. It is to this end that the Committee makes this statement, that as of 18th February 2005 the constitution of the Stokesley Farmers' Beagles expressly states that we will participate in legal activities only as detailed above.

The Committee wishes to make it absolutely clear that as of 18th February 2005 Stokesley Farmers' Beagles will adhere to the new constitution. All hunt staff, supporters, or followers should be under no illusions and should clearly understand that brown hares will not be hunted as previously after the 17th February. All Meets organized from 18th February 2005 onwards will be with the intention of participating in legal activity only and undertaken in compliance with the requirements of the Hunting Act 2004.

Signed....Committee of the Stokesley Farmers' Beagles

Date.......15th September 2005

Back