Greens vow to end fox hunting for good

The Scottish Greens will ban fox hunting in Scotland, the party have pledged.

Despite an apparent ban being introduced in 2002, fox hunts continue in Scotland by exploiting loopholes that mean it continues much as it did. (1)

Scottish Green Alison Johnstone proposed a bill in 2019 to close the loopholes and also to protect mountain hares.

Mountain hare protections were won in wildlife laws last year, but the Lothian candidate has pledged to finish the job next term if re-elected.

Commenting, Alison Johnstone said: “Most people think fox-hunting is already banned in Scotland, but loopholes in the law mean that hunting continues much as it did. It is my intention to close these loopholes and end all hunting with dogs for good.

“When I consulted on my bill proposal to protect Scotland’s foxes and hares it received an overwhelmingly positive response from the public, but the job is only half done. Protections for mountain hares came into force in March, but the cruel chasing and killing of foxes with dogs still continues. Let’s put an end to it after May.

“A strong group of Scottish Green MSPs in the next parliament could do so much more to protect Scotland’s wildlife. We are in a nature emergency, which is why we are asking people to vote like our future depends on it.”