Zetland Hunt joint-master: 'A total ban on trail hunting would be game over'
A ban on trail hunting would mean the end of fundraising for local charities, events which prevent social isolation and bring communities together and hound bloodlines which go back hundreds of years.
For Tom Wilkinson, the joint-master of Zetland Hunt which dates back to 1866, there is a lack of understanding about the impact on rural communities and businesses.
He said: “I don’t think people understand what a community we are. There are 500 people employed directly by hunts across the UK
But, on top of that we have farriers, blacksmiths, feed merchants, tack shops all of these businesses benefit indirectly.
“We have a meet, it is a gathering from elderly to young people. It brings everybody together from all walks of life, it is a leveller, an equal and everybody is there for enjoyment of the hounds, a meet and a catch up.”
Zetland, as do other hunts, host social and fundraising events. They will hire a marquee company for example, a local bar provider, a singer or a disco.
The hunt raises money for the Great North Air Ambulance and Riding for the Disabled through its events, which also serve to provide social opportunities for people who don’t take part in the trail hunts.
Tom, who has been with Zetland for eight years, added: “Trail hunting is such a small part of it, there is a wider part of hunting, there is the social aspect that goes with it.
“I used to play a lot of rugby as a kid and moved away, playing for some big teams.
"When I hung up my boots I came back to hunting and it is the only thing I have found where I get the same enjoyment and camaraderie, share a glass and the crack.
“What happens depends how a ban will be interpreted and to what level. Nobody knows but if it is a total ban, it is game over.”