§ Lord Henleyasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether and how the welfare implications of dogs and horses currently involved in hunting have been considered should a ban be enacted; and whether they have considered evidence from the National Canine Defence League, the Kennel Club and the International League for the Protection of Horses. [HL1160]
149WA
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Lord Whitty)It is not possible to predict the precise impact of the Hunting Bill because the main provisions establish a process for deciding the future of hunting rather than deciding it directly.
My right honourable friend has considered all the evidence—including that of the National Canine Defence League, Kennel Club and International League for the Protection of Horses—submitted during the six-month consultation, including the three days of hearings held in public at Portcullis House in September 2002.
Where the activity is banned absolutely, as in the case of deer hunting and hare coursing, it would be prudent of the owners who are responsible for the welfare of their dogs and horses, and other interested parties, to plan for that eventuality.