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Fox hunters are ‘worried’ they might clash with animal rights activists, following the release of hunt times and locations by The National Trust.
The Trust’s decision to publish details of meets on its website has caused fury among hunters, who believe they will be ‘bullied’ by anti-hunting activists, according to The Independent.
These details have been publicized a month before the Trust’s annual general meeting in October.
During the meeting, members will vote on a motion tabled by the League Against Cruel Sports for an outright ban of all hunting on National Trust land.
Concerned
According to bloodsports enthusiasts, the decision to release the details is a matter of concern to hunters and local businesses alike.
Countryside campaigners argue the Trust’s decision will lead to violent clashes with activists.
Local businesses are also concerned about the scandal that will erupt, including online.
‘Unjustifiable’
Criticizing the Trust for not consulting with hunting associations, the Countryside Alliance’s chief executive Tim Bonner told The Telegraph: “There is just a complete lack of understanding of hunting and hunting people at the National Trust.”
Joint-master of the Eryri Richard Williams, who hunts over Trust land said: “I think it’s unjustifiable. We’ll be harassed by anti-hunting people. The National Trust is giving in to them.”
Another fox hunter has dubbed the move as ‘worrying’, saying: “It can be very intimidating. Publishing the details is inviting them to come – it’s very worrying.”
Adamant
A spokesperson for the National Trust was adamant, stating the Trust is ‘in nobody’s pockets on this’.
“We are not proposing to publish starting points, specific routes and times.
“The ‘map’, referred to in that line on the website, will show only a general area where trail-hunting will be allowed on an agreed date,” said the spokesperson.
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