HL Deb 11 October 2004 vol 665 cc46-7WA
Lord Hylton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How they propose that otters, mink and rats should be controlled if hunting with dogs becomes illegal. [HL4289]

Lord Whitty

The stalking of wild mammals, including mink and otters, and flushing them out of cover is exempt hunting under the Bill if certain conditions are observed. These relate to the purpose of the hunting, the land on which it takes place, the number of dogs used, the use of dogs below ground, and the care of the hunters to despatch the quarry quickly and to maintain control of their dogs. The hunting of rats is exempt subject only to the hunter owning the land or having the owner's permission. The Government would be pleased to work with others to develop a code of practice to ensure that pests can be controlled effectively within the new regulations.