Trail hunting is a lawful rural recreation where hounds follow a laid scent trail across the countryside. A runner or rider lays the scent in advance, and hounds follow it while accompanied by riders and foot followers. No wild animals are pursued.

Trail hunting operates under the governance of the British Hound Sports Association (BHSA), which acts as the official governing body promoting and protecting the future of hounds and hunts. The BHSA establishes and enforces clear codes of conduct for all member hunts, sets welfare standards for both hounds and horses, and provides training and guidance for hunt staff. Hunts are expected to demonstrate full compliance with these regulations, with accountability mechanisms in place to ensure standards are maintained. The Association works continuously to improve practices and transparency across the hunting community, ensuring that trail hunting is conducted responsibly and to the highest standards.

Trail hunting contributes over £100 million to the rural economy each year, supporting hundreds of jobs and sustaining local businesses including farriers, feed merchants, vets, saddlers, and country pubs. Beyond economics, it brings communities together in areas where isolation is a real challenge, providing a focus for social activity and keeping village life going through the winter months. A ban wouldn't just end a tradition, it would remove a lifeline from communities already under pressure.

Not for much longer. Trail hunting is currently entirely legal. It is regulated by the British Hound Sports Association, which sets codes of conduct and welfare standards for member hunts.

The British Hound Sports Association (BHSA) acts as the governing body for trail hunting. It establishes and enforces codes of conduct, sets welfare standards for hounds and horses, provides training and guidance for hunt staff, and maintains accountability mechanisms across member hunts.

Trail hunting follows a pre-laid artificial scent. No live quarry is involved.

Traditional fox hunting, which pursued live foxes, was banned in England and Wales by the Hunting Act 2004.

Trail hunting developed as a lawful alternative that preserves the skills, traditions, and community aspects of hunting without pursuing wild animals.

The Government included a pledge to "ban trail hunting" in its 2024 manifesto.

We believe this pledge is politically motivated rather than based on evidence of harm, and that any ban would be disproportionate and unjustified.

This is one of the most serious concerns about a ban. There are thousands of working hounds across Britain, purpose-bred for pack life and outdoor work. A ban raises profound welfare questions about their future.

Sign up to the mailing list, donate

Hunts provide apprenticeships in kennels, stables, and estate work, offering hands-on training. For many rural young people, a position with a hunt is their first job, teaching practical skills, responsibility, and opening pathways to careers in the wider equestrian and agricultural sectors. A ban would remove these opportunities.