Wrexham Glyndwr University team wins bid to review enforcement of Hunting Act
A team from Wrexham Glyndwr University are to carry out an independent review of fox hunting in the north of Wales.
Members of Cyfiawnder: The Social Inclusion Research Institute at the university have won the tender to conduct the study, worth up to £20,000.
The review is being undertaken on behalf of Police and Crime Commissioner Andy Dunbobbin and will consider the way North Wales Police oversees the enforcement of the Hunting Act.
The pro-hunting Countryside Alliance slammed Mr Dunbobbin after plans for the probe were announced earlier this year, accusing him of having “prejudices against rural people” and described the review as an “unnecessary political vanity project”.
Local knowledge
Mr Dunbobbin said: “I am pleased that the team at Wrexham Glyndwr University will be conducting this review into the policing of the Hunting Act in North Wales and I know they will bring a great deal of expertise and local knowledge to bear in this work.
“The policing of the Act is an important and sensitive issue, with a wide variety of views among the different groups involved.
“But I am certain this independent review will help clarify how the Act is being policed, will pinpoint good practice, as well as offer recommendations where needed.
“I would encourage any individuals or groups with an interest in how the Hunting Act is policed in North Wales to engage with this review and make their voices heard.”
‘No interest’
Plans for the review followed claims the region’s police force had previously shown “no interest” in taking action against illegal hunting.
Those in favour of hunting have also accused Mr Dunbobbin of wasting money, insisting hunts in the area are conducted lawfully.
While his Plaid Cymru predecessor Arfon Jones said he was naive for getting involved in an operational policing matter, the PCC confirmed he would “make no apology” for attempting to tackle wildlife crime.
Last year, Mr Dunbobbin said in a post on Twitter that the law on hunting was “far too weak” and “not fit for purpose”.
Support our Nation today
For the price of a cup of coffee a month you can help us create an independent, not-for-profit, national news service for the people of Wales, by the people of Wales.
If the hunts are being run legally, then those running the hunts should welcome this opportunity to have the people of Cymru see that things are as the those who conduct the hunts say they are. It will help break down this divide between rural people and non-rural people that this lady who is either high on saddle leather polish or has recently been in receipt of a polo mallet to her brain holder believes exists within Cymru, a country made out of mountains, valleys, moors, fields and rivers… …Look it’s the big city folk from Wrecsam, the traffic is… Read more »
I only know a few “country” people but of those something like 80% despise the bang bang tally-ho crowd as much as the rest of us.
Following the conviction of Mark Hankinson, of the countryside alliance, for hosting/ posting webinars on how to avoid prosecution while law breaking, no wonder the police are taking an interest. If burglars and thieves were doing webinars, I am sure the police would also be interested.