|
Scottish
hunting ban faces new challenge
HUNT
FOLLOWERS in Scotland will see their traditional way of life
ruined if a ban on hunting with dogs in Scotland comes into
force, it was claimed in court last week.
The Court of Session in Edinburgh was told that “the fabric
of the daily lives” of those involved was under threat
from the Protection of Wild Mammals (Scotland) Bill. Nine individuals
and organisations have lodged petitions claiming the legislation
breaches the European Convention on Human Rights on four counts.
They want the court to strike down the legislation and prevent
the Scottish Executive from bringing the new law into force
on August 1. David Johnston, a lawyer acting on behalf of the
petitioners, said yesterday that the protesters’ right
to go about their private life was under threat.
Hunting was not only an activity carried out by a minority of
people at certain times of the year, but was also a focal point
for entire communities. Mr Johnston said: “Hunting is something
that connects its participants closely with one another and
it is a core part of their lives.”
The Borders community in particular would be severely affected
by the ban because of the number of organised hunts that take
place. He said: “The removal of foxhunting from the Scottish
Borders would result in a profound and deeply-felt cultural
impoverishment.” Mr Johnston said the Act was neither a
“rational nor proportionate” way of preventing cruelty
to animals and claimed that the Scottish Parliament had exceeded
its powers by passing a law which infringed people’s human
rights.
Earlier James Wolffe, a lawyer representing the Scottish Executive,
had argued that ministers could not give in to public pressure
when passing laws.
The hearing continues.
|
