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16/02/2005
Pro-hunt supporters lose hunting ban appeal
The latest appeal by pro-hunt campaigners, Countryside Alliance, to overturn the hunting ban, has been rejected by the Appeal Court.
The group had argued that the government's Hunting Act, which becomes law on February 18, is invalid, because the 1949 Parliament Act was used to introduce the act, following opposition in the House of Lords.
The Countryside Alliance appealed to the High Court in January, who ruled that the 1949 act was valid, before taking their case to the Appeal Court. However, three appeal court judges today upheld the High Court's decision. The Hunting Act will now come into force on February 18.
The Countryside Alliance has vowed to continue its fight, saying that they will ask the House of Lords to consider the validity of the 1949 Parliament Act. Chief Executive, Simon Hart said: "We will immediately petition the House of Lords to consider our case, and the Appeal Court ruling provides strong grounds for them to find in our favour. The court felt uneasy about overturning an Act of Parliament that has been accepted for 55 years even though there were question marks over its validity. If an Act of Parliament is incorrectly enacted, then it is invalid, irrespective of whether it was passed yesterday, last week, last year or 55 years ago. We are confident in the strength of this challenge as well as the very important challenge to the legislation on human rights grounds."
John Cooper, Chairman of the anti-hunting group, the League Against Cruel Sports, welcomed the decision. He said: "Today, we have seen democracy defended and cruelty curtailed. The cruelty of hunting has lost its appeal. The League was pleased to oppose the Alliance's application for an injunction. We are delighted that the ban will come into effect on February 18th as Parliament intended."
John Rolls, RSPCA director of animal welfare promotion, said: "Countryside Alliance must now accept the outcome of the democratic process: that hunting is cruel and unnecessary and that the Hunting Act is a perfectly valid piece of legislation. The Countryside Alliance would be better off instructing its members that they are duty bound to abide by the new law come 18 February, rather than wasting money mounting futile challenges in the courts."
However, the Countryside Alliance have stated on their web-site that hunts will be meeting as normal throughout England and Wales on February 19.
(KMcA/SP)
The group had argued that the government's Hunting Act, which becomes law on February 18, is invalid, because the 1949 Parliament Act was used to introduce the act, following opposition in the House of Lords.
The Countryside Alliance appealed to the High Court in January, who ruled that the 1949 act was valid, before taking their case to the Appeal Court. However, three appeal court judges today upheld the High Court's decision. The Hunting Act will now come into force on February 18.
The Countryside Alliance has vowed to continue its fight, saying that they will ask the House of Lords to consider the validity of the 1949 Parliament Act. Chief Executive, Simon Hart said: "We will immediately petition the House of Lords to consider our case, and the Appeal Court ruling provides strong grounds for them to find in our favour. The court felt uneasy about overturning an Act of Parliament that has been accepted for 55 years even though there were question marks over its validity. If an Act of Parliament is incorrectly enacted, then it is invalid, irrespective of whether it was passed yesterday, last week, last year or 55 years ago. We are confident in the strength of this challenge as well as the very important challenge to the legislation on human rights grounds."
John Cooper, Chairman of the anti-hunting group, the League Against Cruel Sports, welcomed the decision. He said: "Today, we have seen democracy defended and cruelty curtailed. The cruelty of hunting has lost its appeal. The League was pleased to oppose the Alliance's application for an injunction. We are delighted that the ban will come into effect on February 18th as Parliament intended."
John Rolls, RSPCA director of animal welfare promotion, said: "Countryside Alliance must now accept the outcome of the democratic process: that hunting is cruel and unnecessary and that the Hunting Act is a perfectly valid piece of legislation. The Countryside Alliance would be better off instructing its members that they are duty bound to abide by the new law come 18 February, rather than wasting money mounting futile challenges in the courts."
However, the Countryside Alliance have stated on their web-site that hunts will be meeting as normal throughout England and Wales on February 19.
(KMcA/SP)
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Pro-hunt campaigners have lost their bid to overturn the government's hunting ban. The Countryside Alliance had launched a case to overturn the 2004 Hunting Act, because it had been passed by use of the Parliament Act 1949, which the group claimed was invalid.
Pro-hunt campaigners lose legal ban battle
Pro-hunt campaigners have lost their bid to overturn the government's hunting ban. The Countryside Alliance had launched a case to overturn the 2004 Hunting Act, because it had been passed by use of the Parliament Act 1949, which the group claimed was invalid.
17 February 2005
Hunting ban comes into force
The Hunting Act will come into force tonight, in spite of opposition from pro-hunt campaigners. From midnight tonight, it will be illegal to use a dog to hunt a wild mammal in England and Wales. Hare coursing will also be banned.
Hunting ban comes into force
The Hunting Act will come into force tonight, in spite of opposition from pro-hunt campaigners. From midnight tonight, it will be illegal to use a dog to hunt a wild mammal in England and Wales. Hare coursing will also be banned.
04 August 2006
Huntsman found guilty of breaking hunting ban
A huntsman has been found guilty of breaking anti-hunting laws by signalling foxhounds to chase foxes. Tony Wright, 52, had denied breaching the Hunting Act 2004, while leading the Exmoor Foxhounds on April 29 last year. He was fined £500 at Barnstaple Magistrates' Court on Friday, following a week-long trial.
Huntsman found guilty of breaking hunting ban
A huntsman has been found guilty of breaking anti-hunting laws by signalling foxhounds to chase foxes. Tony Wright, 52, had denied breaching the Hunting Act 2004, while leading the Exmoor Foxhounds on April 29 last year. He was fined £500 at Barnstaple Magistrates' Court on Friday, following a week-long trial.
13 October 2005
Hunting ban upheld by House of Lords
The Countryside Alliance has failed in its bid to challenge the legality of the ban on hunting with dogs. The countryside campaigners had argued that the Hunting Act was invalid, because it had been pushed through Parliament using the 1949 Parliament Act, which they said was not legal.
Hunting ban upheld by House of Lords
The Countryside Alliance has failed in its bid to challenge the legality of the ban on hunting with dogs. The countryside campaigners had argued that the Hunting Act was invalid, because it had been pushed through Parliament using the 1949 Parliament Act, which they said was not legal.
29 July 2003
Shayler loses appeal court bid
Renegade former MI5 officer David Shayler has lost his case at the Court of Appeal in London today. Three judges rejected Shayler’s bid to clear his name following his conviction under the Official Secrets Act last year. Shayler sought an appeal as he considered that the restraints placed on him during the trial were unfair.
Shayler loses appeal court bid
Renegade former MI5 officer David Shayler has lost his case at the Court of Appeal in London today. Three judges rejected Shayler’s bid to clear his name following his conviction under the Official Secrets Act last year. Shayler sought an appeal as he considered that the restraints placed on him during the trial were unfair.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
