The UK's Premier Agricultural Machinery and Technology Show

20–21 January 2027, NEC, Birmingham

Event Details

Farmers 'must' have access to species control in hunting row

The Scottish Greens claimed the Hunting with Dogs (Scotland) Act 2023 was acting as a 'loophole' in the fox hunting ban. But politicians argued the legislation's licensing scheme had enabled farmers to control predators on farmland

Chris Brayford
clock • 2 min read
Scottish Agriculture Minister Jim Fairlie said: "Hunting with more than two dogs is licensed in specific circumstances to make sure that farm managers and landowners can protect the livestock and the wildlife in their area."
Image:

Scottish Agriculture Minister Jim Fairlie said: "Hunting with more than two dogs is licensed in specific circumstances to make sure that farm managers and landowners can protect the livestock and the wildlife in their area."

Politicians have clashed over the use of hunting and controlling predators on farmland. Patrick Harvie, co-leader of the Scottish Greens, has claimed the licensing scheme, introduced under the Hunting...

To continue reading...

Already a member? Login for full access.

Login

New to Farmers Guardian? Register for 1 free article per week or become a member for unlimited access to essential farming news and insights.

article-img-580x358

 

More on Politics

OPINION: SFI scramble leaves businesses facing income shortfalls and difficult decisions

OPINION: SFI scramble leaves businesses facing income shortfalls and difficult decisions

Deputy editor Alex Black reflects on the business impact for those missing out

Alex Black
clock 25 September 2026 • 2 min read
Rural vote could swing General Election as new poll shows Reform UK surge

Rural vote could swing General Election as new poll shows Reform UK surge

The latest MRP YouGov survey reveals Andy Burnham's party could lose 79 of its 139 rural seats if a General Election were held immediately

Jane Thynne
clock 25 September 2026 • 2 min read
From the editor: Fastest finger first is no way to fund farming

From the editor: Fastest finger first is no way to fund farming

This week from the Farmers Guardian editor Katie Jones

Katie Jones
clock 24 September 2026 • 2 min read