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 as of 18th February 2005 it will be illegal to hunt hares 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 comes in to effect on the 18th February 2005 and anyone hunting hares with hounds after that date will be committing an offence under this Act. Clearly our current practices of hare hunting will cease 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 once 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. 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 specified species within the Hunting Act do not include rabbits and rabbit hunting is a listed exemption within the Act. Therefore it remains legal to use hounds to hunt and control rabbits. 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 a hunting pack using hounds to hunt rabbits.

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 after the 17th February. All Meets organized from 18th February 2005 onwards will be with the intention of hunting rabbits and undertaken in compliance with the requirements of the Hunting Act 2004.

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

Date.......12th February2005

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