Citizens Advice on hand to advise people whose livelihoods are affected by the hunting ban
18th February 2005
Citizens Advice Bureaux across the countryside are reminding people that they can provide advice for those individuals whose livelihoods are affected by the hunting ban, which comes into effect today.
Citizens Advice - the national umbrella charity for Citizens Advice Bureaux - is urging people to be aware that bureaux offer free, impartial and confidential advice to people who are worried about how the ban will affect their lives.
Advisors will be able to help people who have suffered a reduction in income, job loss; have debt concerns or housing issues in light of the ban. Advisors will not tell people what to do but will explain the options available and possible outcomes of different courses of action.
Advice is available face-to-face and by telephone. Most bureaux offer home visits and some provide email advice, making it easier for those in hard- to- reach communities to get they help they need.
The Hunting Act 2004 bans the hunting with dogs of all wild mammals, and all hare coursing. There are some tightly drawn exceptions to the Act, which allow some hunting related activities like flushing out to take place in limited circumstances and with the consent of the occupier or owner of the land. Anyone found guilty of an offence under the Act faces a fine of up to £5,000, and could have their dogs, vehicles or other hunting equipment confiscated. It is expected that as a result of the ban some individuals may lose their livelihood.
Citizens Advice Rural Development Officer Gerard Crofton-Martin said:
"We understand that some people may face considerable difficulties following the implementation of the hunting ban and we want to ensure that these people know that they can come to us for advice. The advice we give is impartial; we do not judge people or make assumptions about them. Everything is confidential; we would never divulge anything a client tells us.
"We can help people who are concerned about their employment, help people deal with debt and housing issues that may arise, as well as advising individuals on how to maximise their income by taking action like claiming their entitlement to benefits."
Last updated: February 23, 2007