WEST Somerset MP Rachel Gilmour is pressing the Government on banning trail hunting, which anti-bloodsports campaigners say is used as ‘cover’ for illegal fox hunting.

Mrs Gilmour has written to Rural Affairs Minister Baroness Hayman asking when the Government will close such ‘hunting loopholes’.

She said: “An increasing number of constituents have contacted my office to express their concerns about hunting, both in relation to legislative changes and animal welfare.”

Mrs Gilmour said she was therefore seeking clarification from the Government about ‘the future of legal hunting, including drag hunting, and the phasing out of snare traps’.

Using dogs to hunt foxes has been banned since then-Prime Minister Tony Blair introduced legislation outlawing it in 2004, but trail hunting with hounds following a pre-laid scent rather than a live fox is permitted.

Mrs Gilmour said in her letter to Baroness Hayman: “I note the Government’s manifesto pledge to strengthen the rules around trail hunting with dogs.

“Could you outline how the implementation of this policy will build on the Hunting Act 2004, and what timeline we might expect to see this in place?

“Some of my constituents have expressed concern about how certain legal hunting practices can potentially be used as a smokescreen for illegal activity.

“Would you detail how the Government plans to close loopholes allowing legal hunts to stray into illegal activity?

“I would particularly like to understand the Government’s position on drag hunting and how this can be distinguished from illegal hunts.”

Mrs Gilmour said it was ‘imperative illegal activity is stifled wherever it occurs’ but it was also important to protect the ‘traditions and rural way of life’.

She asked what consultation had been carried out with rural communities and farmers to ensure legitimate pest control and legal hunting could continue.

Mrs Gilmour also queried the timeline for phasing out the use of snare traps.