IRVINE’S MSP Ruth Maguire says “barbaric” fox-hunting has no place in Scotland.

The Cunninghame South politician, on behalf of the League Against Cruel Sports, recently welcomed members from across the Holyrood chamber to gain insight into the issue in Scotland - before an independent review of fox-hunting legislation is set to be published.

The SNP group in Westminster made headlines last summer by speaking out against the UK Government’s attempts to relax the ban on fox-hunting in England and Wales, where currently only two dogs may be used to flush out foxes for pest-control purposes. 

This contrasts with Scotland, where an unlimited number of dogs may be used for the same purpose. 

Though the Protection of Wild Mammals (Scotland) Act 2002 was intended to ban fox-hunting, there have been consistent concerns of widespread illegal hunting, with packs of dogs being used to hunt, and not just to flush. 

In December 2015, the Scottish Government, commissioned Lord Bonomy to undertake an independent review of the 2002 Act to ensure that it is providing the necessary level of protection for foxes and other wild mammals.

MSPs including Ruth Maguire (SNP), Maurice Golden (Con), John Finnie (Green), Ash Denham (SNP), Colin Smyth (Lab), and Emma Harper (SNP), heard speeches from the League’s CEO, Eduardo Gonçalves and Director for Scotland, Robbie Marland. 

MSPs also had the opportunity to watch footage submitted to the review by the League, which showed hunts flouting the law, with foxes being chased down by dogs rather than shot by guns. 

Speaking after the meeting, Ruth said: “It’s safe to say that there are widespread concerns about fox-hunting, and the Scottish Government has been both responsive and responsible in commissioning an evidence based review on this important matter. 

“I am sure that all members will consider the evidence submitted and the report carefully, and work with the League towards strengthening the existing legislation to make sure that the cruel and barbaric practice of foxes being hunted by dogs has no place in Scotland.”