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A New Dawn for Wildlife Protection

The Rise of Labour PCCs and the Hope for Stricter Enforcement Against Hunting Crimes


In a significant shift of political winds, the recent Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) elections across England and Wales herald a beacon of hope for foxes, pets, cattle, and wildlife. 


Labour's sweeping gains, with a reaffirmed policy to ban outright hunting with dogs as of February 2024, suggest a brighter future for the protection of animals against illegal hunting practices.


Avon and Somerset: A New Chapter for Stag Protection

The election of Labour candidate Clare Moody as PCC in Avon and Somerset marks a turning point in the fight against wildlife crime. Under previous Tory leadership, the dire situation for stags in the region, especially involving the Quantock Stag Hounds, had gone largely unaddressed. The persistence of stag hunting, despite clear evidence of illegal activities, raised serious concerns among conservationists and animal rights activists. 


With Moody at the helm, there is renewed optimism that Avon and Somerset Police will no longer just take hunters at their word but will actively enforce the law and protect the majestic stags of the Quantock Hills.


Wales: A United Front Against Hunting Cruelty

The whole of Wales has sent a clear message by shunning the Conservative Party, with Labour's Jane Mudd taking the lead in Gwent. Mudd's commitment to scrutinising the Rural Crime Team's approach to illegal hunting has been celebrated by wildlife enthusiasts. 


In North Wales, the re-election of Andy Dunbobbin, who had previously commissioned a review of hunt policing, suggests an ongoing dedication to challenge the inadequacies of the Hunting Act and to address fox hunting crimes more effectively.

Cheshire: A Potential Win for Wildlife

The victory of Labour's Dan Price over the Tory candidate with close ties to the hunting industry signifies a potential win for Cheshire's wildlife. With Price in office, the expectation is to see a more rigorous approach to policing wildlife crime. Activists hope that notorious fox hunting packs will be held accountable, as recent footage starkly contradicts the claims of 'trail hunting' and exposes continued illegal practices.


The Labour PCC victories are more than just political triumphs; they represent a growing public demand for justice and compassion in the treatment of animals. As these newly elected commissioners take their posts, the promise is to not only monitor but to actively police and curtail hunting with dogs. The days when illegal hunters roamed with impunity may soon be behind us, and with vigilant oversight, the future for the UK's wildlife looks promising.


The Labour Party's pledge to ban hunting with dogs, supported by the public's election of Labour PCCs, is a ray of hope for all who value the intrinsic worth of our natural world. It stands as a testament to the belief that, through determined action and responsible governance, we can forge a more humane and just society for all living creatures.

We will have to make sure though that Labour deliver on these promises. As we have seen since Sir Keir Starmer took the helm, promises have often been little more than election winning words quickly followed by U turns. 

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