Hunting with dogs

**Earl** · 24-10-2006, 20:34

Since the law was changed to make hunting with dogs a criminal offence only one case has ever been brought to court, it's ongoing at the moment.

Does this mean it was a success, or that the authorities are just failing to prosecute offenders?

**SFB** · 24-10-2006, 21:12

When you find out let us know?

**Earl** · 24-10-2006, 21:22

I've a feeling the authorities aren't bothering, or are finding it too difficult to prosecute successfully. Other cases have never been brought to court due to lack of evidence. How much can you need?

**SFB** · 24-10-2006, 21:24

Reliable witnesses?

**Earl** · 24-10-2006, 21:27

Exactly, how many would you need? If a bunch of these animal rights protestors see them doing it, why are they not being prosecuted?

Sounds like it was just another of nuLabour's "good on the surface" initiatives. I doubt the law carries any actual weight at all.

**SFB** · 24-10-2006, 21:32

They get beaten up by the landed gentry and their video cams broken.
If a witness makes a claim, they say he was imagining things and that they were chasing a dummy trail.

**A_B** · 24-10-2006, 23:54

Hunting is still a very popular sport in this part of France (wild boar). I doubt they'd be able to stop people doing it if a law was brought in here - it's too open to get caught. The hunters can go anywhere - even your land unless you have a sign saying they can't. I see the hunts on a regular basis - scares the pooh out of me sometimes though when I hear the dog bells and the boars squealing.

**Mike H** · 25-10-2006, 15:39

Originally Posted by Mr Morningstarr*

Since the law was changed to make hunting with dogs a criminal offence only one case has ever been brought to court, it's ongoing at the moment.

Does this mean it was a success, or that the authorities are just failing to prosecute offenders?

I don't think it's a complete success tbh. It's just that the countryside isn't anything like as well policed as the towns, therefore they can get away with the odd "real" hunt, and the authorities are none the wiser.

**Earl** · 25-10-2006, 15:42

That was my feeling too, Mike.

nuLabour are quick to create laws to appease certain pressure groups, but have no real intention of working those laws, thus keeping both sides relatively happy. I think it's a neat trick, probably the secret to their success.

**SFB** · 25-10-2006, 21:11

Originally Posted by Autumn_Breeze

Hunting is still a very popular sport in this part of France (wild boar). I doubt they'd be able to stop people doing it if a law was brought in here - it's too open to get caught. The hunters can go anywhere - even your land unless you have a sign saying they can't. I see the hunts on a regular basis - scares the pooh out of me sometimes though when I hear the dog bells and the boars squealing.

Boar hunting here is confined to a very short season, as is all hunting. It's also well policed here and vigilant country dwellers report out of season hunters, I don't know about France.