Will the Minister confirm whether further field sports will be banned on Natural Resources Wales and Welsh Government-owned land and, if so, which ones will be banned and when the proposed bans come into force?
As regards trail hunting, in light of the guilty verdict in the recent court judgement against a senior leader of the Master of Fox Hounds Association, the Welsh Government would support the consideration of a permanent ban of trail hunting by those responsible for publicly owned land in Wales. The withdrawal of permissions to trail hunt by both Natural Resources Wales (NRW) and the National Trust effectively means trail hunting is no longer possible on a large proportion of public land. I have asked my officials to explore whether it is possible for the Welsh Government to ban trail hunting on any remaining public land in Wales.
The Welsh Government remains committed to supporting the angling community, improving fisheries and securing a sustainable future for the sport in Wales. NRW is responsible for the management of inland and migratory fisheries in line with its duties set out under the Environment Act 1995. The Welsh Government and NRW recognise the role angling and anglers play in protecting and championing the Welsh environment as well as providing a significant boost to the Welsh economy.
On shooting, the Welsh Government, working with NRW, is committed to carrying out a review of and consultation on an appropriate approach for the release of gamebirds in Wales. The review, planned to commence this year, will consider the impact on our environment and wildlife and the effectiveness of current protections afforded under legislation.