BASC has welcomed the Labour Party’s commitment to “promote high standards with regards to game shoots, tackle criminality, and promote sustainability” contained within their animal welfare consultation launched today.
BASC will respond to the consultation launched by Labour’s Shadow Secretary of State for the Environment and Rural Affairs, Sue Hayman.
The UK’s largest shooting organisation is also encouraging members and anyone else who shoots to give their view on the draft proposals.
In particular, BASC welcomes Labour’s commitment to bear down on raptor persecution.
BASC also looks forward to discussing the detail on issues such as trophy hunting, the intensive rearing of game birds, gun dog sales and electronic training collars to ensure unintended consequences that could damage animal welfare and the contribution of shooting are avoided.
Christopher Graffius, BASC’s acting chief executive, said: “It’s worth noting that this announcement is not a final policy and that Labour recognises the importance of consulting on its proposals to avoid unintended consequences.
“BASC is particularly interested in working with Labour on the detail of policies on shooting trophies, game rearing and gundogs to ensure that any final policy is evidence-based and fit for purpose.”
Ian Grindy, chair of BASC’s game and gamekeeping committee, said: “It’s encouraging to see that Labour has listened to BASC’s representations on the importance of sustainable shooting and that the party is committed to tackling criminality and promoting animal welfare.
“There is a job of work to be done on the detail and BASC looks forward to working with Sue Hayman and her team to achieve positive policies for welfare and shooting.”
ENDS