Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask His Majesty's Government what estimate they have made of how many horses and dogs would have to be put down as a result of a ban on trail hunting; and what assessment they have made of the impact of a trail hunting ban on the rural economy.

This Government is committed to enacting a ban on trail hunting in line with its manifesto commitment. The Government intends to hold a consultation to seek views on how to deliver an effective, enforceable ban. The responses to that consultation will be used to inform the department’s assessment of any potential impacts of a trail hunting ban, including any on the rural economy.