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James Barrington, former Director of the League Against Cruel Sports (LACS), has joined the Countryside Alliance as an animal welfare consultant on the fourth anniversary of the Hunting Act.
Barrington has been consultant to the Parliamentary Middle Way Group, a cross party body that campaigned for a workable compromise on hunting, and will continue in that role whilst also working for the Alliance. Three other Directors of LACS and numerous staff members and volunteers have also changed their minds on the abolition of hunting with dogs. Barrington says: “Working with the Countryside Alliance seems like a logical progression as the Hunting Act has been revealed as pointless and damaging to animal welfare. “My ex-colleagues in the anti hunting movement are increasingly frustrated by the failure of the Act, but it is their law. After literally decades of campaigning, millions of pounds spent and numerous Bills and debates, they got it wrong. They now expect the police and the courts to sort out this mess. If only some of the many other animal welfare issues, such as the plight of primates in Africa or dog farming in China, could attract such attention. “The Act is sheer nonsense and I cannot understand or accept the proposition that it even addresses the issue of animal welfare. There is only one answer. The Hunting Act must be repealed. Only then can the welfare of wild mammals start to be properly addressed.” Simon Hart, Chief Executive of the Countryside Alliance, said: “Four years after the Hunting Act came into force the question is when, not if, it will be repealed. We are thrilled that James has agreed to work with us to achieve that goal. He is a remarkable man who has made a remarkable journey, and no-one could question his commitment to animal welfare.” |
