This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
Listen
New research will help inform debate on fox-hunting
11/11/1999
The Scottish Executive is commissioning new independent research into the impact of banning hunting with dogs on the rural economy, it was announced today.
The study - to be undertaken by the Macaulay Land Use Research Institute - will help stimulate informed debate in anticipation of the introduction of Mike Watson's Protection of Wild Mammals Members Bill before the Scottish Parliament.
Estimates of job losses in earlier studies have ranged from less than one hundred to several thousand. By commissioning impartial research, the Scottish Executive will obtain neutral and comprehensive information on the issue.
The study is expected to last six weeks and the findings will be made public.
Minister for Rural Affairs Ross Finnie said:
"The outcome of this research should provide valuable information to assist in the debate on the banning of hunting with dogs. I expect it to deliver impartial and factual information on the effects that a ban would have on the rural economy and employment."
BACKGROUND
1. A Members Bill on the Protection of Wild Mammals has been presented to the Presiding Officer by Mike Watson MSP. The Presiding Officers' ruling on the Bill is expected shortly. It is anticipated that the Bill, if introduced, will mainly impact on hunting with hounds.
2. The study will attempt to estimate the numbers of foxes killed by hounds and other authorised forms of control in each of the last five years. The study will also estimate the economic impacts of hunting with hounds and consider possible scenarios relating to the redeployment of resources released from hunting.
3. All fox hunts in Scotland will be investigated in the study. Estimates of the economic impacts of changes in the activities of mounted followers will be carried out on a sample basis. Estimates of the number of foxes killed by hunts will be made through surveys. The assessment will consider what items of expenditure are contingent on the existence of the hunt, using a with-hunt and without-hunt method of identifying expenditures. This will also identify expected re-allocation of resources currently used in hunting.
4. The study is expected to last 6 weeks and will cost £10,000.
News Release: SE1260/1999
11 Nov 1999