The Chairman
The Committee of Inquiry into Hunting with Dogs
PO Box 31010
LONDON SW1H 9ZL

14 February 2000

Andrew Ogden
Direct Line 01273 481557

Dear Lord Burns,

I write to inform you of this County Council's policy in relation to hunting with dogs.

In February 1982 the County Council adopted the following in relation to bloodsports:

"This County Council takes note that bloodsports are already effectively forbidden (without prior consent) on the County Council's land and property open to the public, and further resolves to express its opposition to bloodsports including otter hunting, stage hunting, fox hunting and the coursing of hares on all land on which the County Council has control".

In 1988 the County Council purchased the freehold of Ashdown Forest, with contributions from various organisations. In accordance with the Ashdown Forest Act 1974, a Board of Conservators has power to control any activity upon the Forest. It is the duty of the Conservators, under the Act, at all tin-'es, as far as possible, to regulate and manage the Forest as an amenity.

There is a longstanding policy of the Board of Conservators to allow both the Old Surrey and Burstow and the Southdown and Eridge Hunts to hunt the Forest, subject to them abiding by the "riding state" in force on the Forest on the date of the hunt and not hunting at weekends.

At a meeting full Council held on 19 May 1998, the following Motion was passed:

"In view of their statutory and other duties, the County Council urges the Conservators of Ashdown Forest, as the body responsible for the good management of the Ashdown Forest, to consider introducing a ban on foxhunting on all land in the Forest under their management."

At a meeting of the full Council held on 27 July 1999, the following Motion was passed :"This County Council welcomes the Government's announcement that it intends to ensure a ban is imposed on fox hunting before the next General Election. The Council is aware that national opinion polls indicate overwhelming opposition to foxhunting among the population in town and country and urges the Government to act as soon as is reasonably possible".

I should be grateful if you would ensure that this County Council's views are taken into consideration as part of your inquiry.

Yours sincerely

Andrew Ogden
Deputy County Secretary

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Date uploaded to site 11 May 2000