Council vote declares Boxing Day hunt 'unwelcome'

A town council has passed a motion to say a Boxing Day hunt was not welcome to go through its community.

Tiverton Town Council said it noted the government had committed to introducing a trail hunting ban.

It said the motion was approved by councillors present at full council, with 10 votes in favour, two against and eight abstentions.

A spokesperson for the Tiverton Foxhounds said it was currently their intention to hold the Boxing Day meet as usual but safety was the priority.

A spokesperson for the British Hound Sports Association said: "Trail hunting is a lawful and responsible activity that uses a natural scent, laid artificially, and has no impact on wildlife."

It added: "The BHSA upholds high standards: we set clear rules, provide training and enforce proper governance so that trail hunting is conducted openly and with full accountability.

"Boxing Day meets are long-standing community events, boosting local pubs and businesses with strong public support across England and Wales. Britain rejects extremism, councillors should base their decisions on evidence, not prejudice."

Councillor Tony Wheeler, who proposed the motion, said in the meeting: "When we were out asking the public what they wanted us to do if elected, the hunt being unwelcome in our town came up again and again."

He said it was a strong and emotive subject but people could not be seen to be "muddling around in the middle".

The council resolved that "the Hunt Meet is not welcome in Tiverton on Boxing Day, or any other day."

A council spokesperson said Tiverton Town Council did not hold official powers over whether a hunt meet could proceed, as responsibility for permissions and regulatory compliance rested with the principal authority.

Therefore the motion could not create or alter any decision-making powers in relation to the event.

A spokesperson for the Tiverton Foxhounds said: "It is currently our intention to hold the Boxing Day meet as usual.

"However, safety must come first, if there is any threat of disruption or confrontation, the hunt will not put people at risk and will liaise with the police as necessary."

It said it did not object to the "strong views being expressed" at the council meeting but was surprised no one from the hunt was notified or invited to contribute.

It added it would "gladly welcome" any councillor or resident to visit the kennels.

"Everything is run in the open: hound welfare, veterinary standards, feed, exercise, trail laying and training all take place under clear rules and oversight," they said.

"People may disagree about tradition but it is difficult to hold a fair view without first seeing the reality. That is why our invitation stands."

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