Trail hunting to be banned in new government crackdown
A new government strategy outlines plans to ban trail hunting (Getty Images)
The UK government has launched a new animal welfare strategy, hailed by Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds as the "most ambitious in a generation".
Key proposals include a ban on electric shock collars for pets and enhanced protections against cruel breeding practices such as puppy farming.
The strategy also outlines plans to ban trail hunting and snare traps, alongside introducing a closed hunting season for hares to safeguard wild animals.
For farmed animals, the government intends to move away from colony cages for laying hens and pig farrowing crates, and implement more humane slaughter methods for fish.
The RSPCA has welcomed the strategy, describing it as a significant step forward with the potential to improve the lives of millions of animals across the country.