The Holcombe Hunt says plans to ban an activity which offers a "form of escape" would be "catastrophic" for its industry, leading to a loss of jobs. In Labour's manifesto for the election, the party stated it wants to stop "trail hunting", which was created to comply with the 2004 Hunting Act. Trail hunting is a legal activity which involves people on foot or horseback following a scent along a predetermined route with hounds or beagles.
It replicates a traditional hunt but without an animal being chased, injured or killed. Holcombe Hunt members (Image: Supplied) Holcombe Hunt hounds (Image: Supplied) In Labour's manifesto prepared ahead of the general election, it states: “Labour will improve animal welfare. We will ban trail hunting.
” The Holcombe Hunt/Harriers is one of the oldest hunts in the UK with its lineage dating back to as early as 1086 and the organisation fears the impact of a ban would be detrimental. Master huntsman Mark Dickson-Bradley leading a hunt (Image: Supplied) Mark Dickson-Bradley with members of the hunt and the hounds (Image: Supplied) Mark Dickson-Bradley, Holcombe Harriers' master huntsman, said: “A ban would be catastrophic to a huge industry, jobs and homes would be lost. "Hounds and horses wouldn’t have a job anymore.
Plus it would affect the wider community including vets, farriers, feed merchants and pubs, who are all part of the hunting community. "I also fear about people’s mental health. Trail hunting is a form of escape for many .