Press Release: 15 February 2005
Policing the Hunting Act
Kent Police is preparing to police the Hunting Act 2004 when it is due to be applied in law from Friday 18 th February.
The force intends to take part in policing hunt activities in accordance with the guidelines issued by the Association of Chief Police Officers.
Assistant Chief Constable David Ainsworth said: “Kent Police it taking a pragmatic approach in meeting the challenges of the new law.
“Officers have met with both pro-hunting groups and Hunting Act supporters to explain how we intend to police these events, while also listening to their plans. Both sides have told us they do not intend to break the law.
“We shall police hunt events appropriately, in the same way we police other public events where our presence is required. Kent Police will also continue to police the rest of the county as normal.
“We have a duty to maintain public safety and public order while also allowing both pro-hunt groups and Hunting Act supporters to take part in lawful activity.
“Kent Police has clearly stated that officers will monitor events and they will gather and receive evidence of any offences under the Act. If an offence is detected then this will be investigated and it could lead to an arrest or arrests at a later date.
“The police do not intend to make arrests for hunting offences on Saturday (19 th February) or seize horses, hounds, tack or other equipment from pro-hunt groups. If an officer believes a hunting offence may be committed then where it is possible a warning will be given in the first instance.”
- A person can be fined up to £5,000 for an offence under the Hunting Act. A person convicted of a hunting offence will not receive a criminal record and does not have to declare a conviction when applying for certain jobs, because convictions are ‘not recordable or notifiable.’
- Police cannot take fingerprints, DNA samples or a photograph of someone who is arrested for a hunting offence, though Kent Police will retain an individual’s details when an offence occurs.
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