SUPPORTERS of trail hunting including North Cotswolds MP Geoffrey Clifton-Brown have issued a rallying cry against government proposals to ban the practice.

The British Hound Sports Association said that hundreds of people attended an event near Aldsworth in support of National Trail Hunting Day on Saturday, September 14.

The North Cotswold Hunt joined forces with the Heythrop Hunt, meeting at Cocklebarrow Races and riding out over the surrounding countryside.

North Cotswolds MP Geoffrey Clifton-Brown spoke at the event, thanking people for attending in such large numbers.

He said that it may be necessary to organise similar and larger meetings to clearly tell the government that a substantial number of countryside dwellers will be angry at any legislative change to their freedom to enjoy the country.

According to the MP, the amount of attendees at the event “clearly demonstrated support from a substantial part of the rural community in favour of retaining the status quo on trail hunting”.

“Around 1,000 people attended the joint meet of the Heythrop, V.W.H. and North Cotswold Hunts,” he said.

“This was a substantial gathering to demonstrate against government proposals to ban trail hunting.”

Trail hunting sees people on horseback or foot follow a scent along a predetermined route with hounds or beagles.

However, the practice is controversial, with the League Against Cruel Sports saying that it believes that it is a cover for illegal hunting.

The BHSA said that close to 30 simultaneous events spanned England and Wales on National Trail Hunting Day, with thousands of supporters.

Olly Hughes, managing director, said: “What we have seen is a massive show of support for trail hunting.

“We would urge the government to engage with us before bringing in new legislation which would be immensely damaging to rural communities up and down the country.

“To attack trail hunting is to attack a rural way of life for tens of thousands of people.”

Nessie Chanter, organiser of the event near Aldsworth, said: “It is wonderful to see so many people in Gloucestershire choosing to come out and support us.

“When the Hunting Act came in 20 years ago, we thought it was the end for hunting with hounds.

“Since then, we have adapted to be able to continue to enjoy the sport, the heritage and the tradition in full compliance with the law.

“We will continue to present the facts and to show people what we do and how we do it.

“If we have to host 100 events like this, we will do.”

Olly said: “There is a myth promoted by our opponents that trail hunting is the preserve of a certain echelon of society far removed from most people’s experience.

“This is simply not true.

“Anyone who has taken the time to attend the National Trail Hunting Day will have seen that those who support trail hunting represent as diverse a demographic as you would see at any other sporting event.

“Furthermore, the allegation that trail hunting is a cover for illegal activities is patently false.

“The facts show that trail hunting is a legal, legitimate and well-regulated activity that is fully compliant with the Hunting Act.”

Commenting on speaking at the event near Aldsworth, Geoffrey said: “The last UK-wide countryside march took place in 2002, with around 400,000 participating.

“22 years later, trail hunting continues in a peaceful and sustainable manner.”