THEIR has been recent discussion over trail hunting after it came back into focus after the ban in 2004 because the UK Government is under the new Animal Welfare Strategy plans to outlaw the practice in England and Wales, some believing it is used as a ‘smokescreen’.

Drag/ Trail hunting, involves hounds following a pre-laid scent rather than a live animal, has remained legal since 2004 hunting ban and is a long-established part of rural life in the county.

On Boxing Day there were several trail hunting events in Monmouthshire. Reform Senedd Member Laura Anne Jones, has spoken on this recent controversial hot topic.

Supporters say it plays an important role in sustaining local jobs, supporting farmers, vets and small rural businesses.

Reform MS member, Laura Anne Jones has welcomed the large turnout in Usk, Monmouth and Llangybi over the Christmas period, saying it shows the support for drag and trail hunting and the growing frustration in rural Wales.

Senedd Member, Laura Anne Jones, said: “It was fantastic to see so many people out supporting our local hunts over Christmas, standing up for a lawful countryside activity and for rural Wales more broadly.

“I supported the Curre and Llangibby Meets, which I have done my entire life, and it was wonderful to see every generation there to support this countryside tradition.

The regional MS said the priorities of the Welsh Government are increasingly out of step with rural communities and argued that there are far bigger priorities facing our countryside and our country that need tackling and the focus should be on those.

“Rural communities already face enormous pressures with the rising cost of living, TB, SFS and the cruel family farm tax; banning trail hunting would add challenges faced by those who live and work in our countryside.”