Protect the Wild has worked alongside Grantham Against Bloodsports (GAB) to uncover how much hunts are benefitting from taxpayer money. The evidence is staggering, revealing just how reliant the hunting industry is on government handouts. Yet this is likely only a fraction of the true figure. Over £2.4 million in taxpayer money has been awarded to hunts since the ban on hunting.
It has been revealed that more than £1m in farming subsidies have been handed out to hunts since 2000. In some cases, these subsidies have represented a notable proportion of a hunt’s profits. And these payments have continued despite convictions for illegal hunting. There is also data showing many claimed Covid-related grants during 2020 and 2021, bringing the total cash given to hunts during the pandemic to £481,312.28. These Covid-19 grants were direct cash payments sourced from central government and then distributed by district authorities.
It certainly appears that the taxpayers’ money are being abused and misused. For example, Melton Borough Council has aided just two hunts – the Belvoir and Quorn – to the tune of £191,568,58. They also benefit indirectly through the Melton Hunt Club, an organisation that raises funds for meets in the Melton Mowbray area involving the Belvoir, Quorn and Cottesmore hunts. Between 2006 and 2002, the club received £121,1010.61 in farming subsidies.
Protect the Wild find it unacceptable that the taxpayer-funded subsides meant for a better and healthier world are used for abhorrent and criminal ends. GAB also have stated: ‘Going forward, we firmly believe that no financial support should be provided to any hunt or landowner found guilty of illegal activity on subsidised land’. The government is set to launch a consultation on the hunting ban in the near future. It is essential that anti-hunting legislation is holistically effective and ceases all indirect financially support.