to consider the following motions received (if any) in accordance with Council Procedure Rules:
a) From Cllrs McKay and O’Callaghan
“The Hunting Act 2004 made chasing wild animals with dogs illegal apart from the particular exempt forms of hunting detailed in the Act.
As well as the Hunting Act 2004 there is also the Animal Welfare Act 2006 which embodies the so-called Five Freedoms of animal welfare which state that every animal deserves the right to humane treatment. The Five Freedoms are recognised across the globe and include a right to the freedom from “fear or distress”.
The sentience of animals has been the subject of much research and it has long been recognised that all animals are capable of a range of emotions. The Animal Welfare (Sentience) Act 2022 defines sentience in law.
It cannot therefore be conceived that any blood sport is acceptable, and it is important that the culture and tradition that surrounds and supports this barbaric activity is discouraged.
It is often argued that blood sports are part of the management of the countryside. That is rarely the reality, but where such management is required it needs to be carried out by trained specialists who have proper regard to an animal’s welfare and rights under the legislation.
This Council therefore resolves that:
1. It does not support the killing of animals for sport or leisure in any circumstances.
2. It will henceforth not allow any form of hunting or any organisation that is associated with hunting to use its facilities.
3. It will require written permission to be sought for the use and management of any and all animal traps on its land and reserves the right to refuse permission where in the opinion of the Executive it considers they could cause unnecessary and avoidable suffering.
4. It will actively encourage other Local Authorities, including Devon Country Council, to adopt a similar resolution.”
Minutes:
64/23
It was noted that one Motion on Notice had been received in accordance with Council Procedure Rules, as follows:
a) From Cllrs McKay and O’Callaghan
“The Hunting Act 2004 made chasing wild animals with dogs illegal apart
from the particular exempt forms of hunting detailed in the Act.
As well as the Hunting Act 2004 there is also the Animal Welfare Act 2006 which embodies the so-called Five Freedoms of animal welfare which state that every animal deserves the right to humane treatment. The Five Freedoms are recognised across the globe and include a right to the freedom from “fear or distress”.
The sentience of animals has been the subject of much research and it has long been recognised that all animals are capable of a range of emotions. The Animal Welfare (Sentience) Act 2022 defines sentience in law.
It cannot therefore be conceived that any blood sport is acceptable, and it is important that the culture and tradition that surrounds and supports this barbaric activity is discouraged.
It is often argued that blood sports are part of the management of the
countryside. That is rarely the reality, but where such management is required it needs to be carried out by trained specialists who have proper
regard to an animal’s welfare and rights under the legislation.
This Council therefore resolves that notwithstanding the moral arguments about blood sport, having regard to the animal welfare and public nuisance considerations, it is for the benefit or improvement of the Council’s area that the Council:
1. does not support the killing of animals for sport or leisure in any circumstances.
2. does not facilitate or promote the killing of animals for sport or leisure by allowing its land to be used for such sports or used by organisations supporting such sports;
3. requires written permission to be sought for the use and management of any animal traps on its land and reserves the right to refuse permission where the Council considers they could cause unnecessary and avoidable suffering.
4. encourages other Local Authorities owning land in the Council’s area, including Devon County Council, to adopt a similar resolution.”
In introducing his motion, Cllr McKay PROPOSED an alternative form of wording that read as follows:
That, notwithstanding the moral arguments about blood sport, having regard to the animal welfare and public nuisance considerations, it is for the benefit or improvement of the Council’s area that the Council:
1. does not support the killing of or cruelty to animals for sport or leisure in any circumstances.
2. will not facilitate or promote the killing of animals for sport or leisure by allowing its land to be used for such sports or associated activities;
3. requires written permission to be sought for the use and management of any animal traps on its land and reserves the right to refuse permission where the Council considers they could cause unnecessary and avoidable cruelty or suffering.
4. encourages other Local Authorities owning land in the Council’s area, including Devon County Council, to adopt a similar resolution.
5. that the Overview and Scrutiny Committee consider setting up a Task and Finish Group to develop a protocol/policy to underpin parts 1 to 4 of the Motion.
In the ensuing discussion, reference was made to:
(a) A number of Members expressed their support for the tone of the motion and felt that it outlined a statement of intent for the Council;
(b) Members welcomed the revisions to part 2 of the motion in relation to deletion of the following wording: ‘or used by organisations supporting such sports’;
(c) In the event of the motion being approved, it was recognised that there would be more detailed work to be undertaken and it was hoped that the Overview and Scrutiny Committee would support the wish to set up a Task and Finish Group to develop a protocol/policy. Members also felt that the Terms of Reference that would underpin such a Task and Finish Group Review would require careful drafting.
It was then:
RESOLVED
That, notwithstanding the moral arguments about blood sport, having regard to the animal welfare and public nuisance considerations, it is for the benefit or improvement of the Council’s area that the Council:
1. does not support the killing of or cruelty to animals for sport or leisure in any circumstances.
2. will not facilitate or promote the killing of animals for sport or leisure by allowing its land to be used for such sports or associated activities;
3. requires written permission to be sought for the use and management of any animal traps on its land and reserves the right to refuse permission where the Council considers they could cause unnecessary and avoidable cruelty or suffering.
4. encourages other Local Authorities owning land in the Council’s area, including Devon County Council, to adopt a similar resolution.
5. that the Overview and Scrutiny Committee consider setting up a Task and Finish Group to develop a protocol/policy to underpin parts 1 to 4 of the Motion.