HUNTS across Northumberland have vowed to fight on, despite the Countryside Alliance losing its first legal challenge to overturn the ban on hunting with dogs.
The Countryside Alliance went to the High Court last week in an attempt to prove the Government’s use of the Parliament Act 1949 to push through the Hunting Bill in November was illegal. But the two judges hearing the case rejected the Alliance’s sub
mission saying the Act was ‘clear, unambiguous and lawful’ and the ban was valid.
The rejection did not come as a surprise to many. Charles Bucknall, chairman of the Percy Hunt, said: “I was not surprised the judges upheld the Government’s decision. I think they felt they should go to the highest court in the land for something of this constitutional nature.”
Patrick Cooper, of the West Percy Hunt, said: “We are all very disappointed with the Judges’ ruling but it has still got to go to appeal and we hope for more in our favour.”
On February 8, just days before the Hunting Act is set to come into force on February 18, the Countryside Alliance will take its case to the Court of Appeal. It also plans to go to the European Court of Human Rights in Strasburg.
The Percy Hunt will meet on February 17 for its last legal day of hunting, followed by a big meet outside Alnwick Castle on February 19. Followers, horses and hounds will be there between 10.30am and 11am.
The Hunt says it will hunt if the appeal is successful and if not it will hunt within the law.
The West Percy Hunt is also meeting on February 19 at Bulby’s Wood, Ingram, at 10.45am.
