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A. THE NATIONAL WORKING TERRIER FEDERATION 1
1. INTRODUCTION
B. THE N.W.T.F. ACCREDITED MEMBERSHIP SCHEME ... 4
8. INTRODUCTION
10. PROCEDURES FOR ACCREDITATION
C. THE WORKING TERRIER 6
11. IT'S HISTORY
D. PEST CONTROL WITH TERRIERS .................. 7
1 3. INTRODUCTION
15. RECENT CHANGES IN PRACTICES AND THE LAW
16. TERRIER WORK
19. SUMMARY
E. APPENDICES 14
I. N.W.T.F. CODE OF CONDUCT.
II. THE N.W.T.F. CODE OF CONDUCT HAS INTERNATIONAL ACCEPTANCE.
III. TERRIER CLUB RESCUE SERVICES.
IV. WORKING TERRIER SHOWS.
V. N.W.T.F. ACCREDITED MEMBERSHIP SCHEME.
Vll. THE NEED FOR PEST CONTROL.
Vlil. BASIC FIELD CRAFT SKILLS.
1.1. In 1984, all the major working terrier clubs in England, Scotland and Wales joined together to form the National Working Terrier Federation (N.W.T.F.). Their main aim being to promote and advance the humane and efficient use of working terriers.
1.2. Together they drew up the N.W.T.F. Code of Conduct. This details the legal requirements for those engaged in terrier work to follow and identifies the best practices to be adhered to in order to provide a pest control service which is humane, efficient and selective and which ensures the welfare of both the working terrier and its quarry.
1.3. Adherence to this code at all times is a condition of membership of each N.W.T.F. member club. The Federation supplies terrier men/women with free advice on terrier work and maintains a register of Accredited Members.
2.1. In accordance with its constitution, the N.W.T.F.'s primary aims and objectives are:
i) To promote the best, most humane and efficient practices in relation to the use of working terriers for pest control purposes.
ii) To improve public awareness of the manner in which properly conducted terrier work is carried out.
iii) To encourage new participants to join a recognised working terrier club and to learn from more experienced members.
iv) To assist, advise and educate the newcomer or less experienced person.
v) To unify the working terrier clubs under one umbrella organisation and provide a single reference point and centre of excellence on matters relating to terrier work.
vi) To counter the activities of those who by their actions, or intent, would bring terrier work into disrepute.
3.1. The N.W.T.F. is comprised of Member Working Terrier Clubs, other Affiliated Organisations (non-voting members) and Individual Supporters (non-voting supporters). Member Clubs and Affiliated Organisations are invited by the Chairman to join on the recommendation of the Executive Committee.
3.2. The N.W.T.F. retains the right to expel any organisation or individual who fails to observe its rules and codes of conduct, or that it is felt may have brought terrier work into disrepute.
3.3. The N.W.T.F. represents more practising terrier men than any other organisation. Its membership consists of a wide cross section of both professional and voluntary pest controllers, game keepers and hunt terrier men.
3.4. It consists of 26 member terrier clubs and represents around 3000-4,000 individual members, plus other affiliated organisations.
3.5. The N.W.T.F. fully supports and is subject to the jurisdiction of l.S.A.H. Ltd.
4. N.W.T.F. CODES OF PRACTICE.
4.1. In 1994 the N.W.T.F. drew up, published and implemented the N.W.T.F. Code of Conduct for Terrier Work (see Appendix I). The code is now accepted internationally as a measure of good practice (see Appendix II) and is recognised by practising terrier men as being the most comprehensive of it's kind.
4.2. It is endorsed by the British Association for Shooting and Conservation, the Countryside Alliance, the Masters of Fox Hounds Association and the National Gamekeeper's Organisation and has been adopted by the Federation of Welsh Packs, the Central Committee of Fell Packs, the Masters of Mink Hounds Association and the Scottish Hill Packs Association.
4.3. Adherence to this code at all times is a condition of membership of the N.W.T.F. and each of it's Member Clubs.
5.1. N.W.T.F. Member Terrier Clubs vary in size from small local terrier clubs, to larger national organisations such as the Fell and Moorland Working Terrier Club (F.M.W.T.C.) and the Jack Russell Terrier Club of Great Britain (J.R.T.C.G.B.).
5.2. These clubs not only provide strict codes of conduct for the use of terriers, but also provide a social focus for people with a common interest. Many also provide specialist rescue services, which are often called upon by pet owners whose dogs have become lost below ground (see Appendix III) and a rehoming/placement service.
5.3. Most clubs also hold regular meetings, social events and working terrier shows. During 1999 the F.M.W.T.C. held 32 terrier shows and 111 meetings and social events. By their very nature, these events are almost exclusively held in rural, or semi rural locations. This helps to provide local entertainment and income, attracts visitors from outside of the area and helps to support and preserve local amenities.
5.4. By way of a simple example, the N.W.T.F.'s own Annual General Meeting is held in the Parish Rooms of a small village in Cumbria. It takes place over a weekend and is combined with social events including one at a local village club. The participants, who travel from across England, Scotland and Wales make use of local Bed and Breakfast facilities, they dine in the area and also make use of a local coach firm for transport.
6.1. Each year there are many hundreds of Working Terrier Shows held throughout the country (see Appendix IV). They take place during the late Spring, Summer and early Autumn. At these events, terriers are judged on their overall conformation, size, coat, condition and general temperament (etc.). Considerable thought and skill are devoted to the breeding of these terriers and the preservation and maintenance of particular strains and bloodlines. A number of the breeds of terriers now registered with the Kennel Club and shown at Crufts owe their origins to those same strains (or types) of working terriers which are still maintained by working terrier enthusiasts today.
6.2. Most shows are organised by working terrier clubs and are attended by working terrier enthusiasts, as well as the general public. These shows are either stand alone events in their own right or form a focal attraction at much larger shows, such as game fairs, country fairs and other rural shows.
6.3. By way of example, the working terrier catalogue for the 1999 Great Yorkshire Show, organised by the Yorkshire Agricultural Society and sponsored by the F.M.W.T.C., lists 165 different exhibitors and 645 terriers. A country fair, or show, without a working terrier show would tend to be the exception rather than the norm.
6.4. Whilst many of these shows are organised to assist in raising funds for the terrier clubs and the rescue services which many provide, various charities have also benefited from these events. These include Acorn's Hospice for Terminally ill Children, the Children's Unit at Christie's Hospital, Children's Cancer Charities, Cystic Fibrosis Research and Riding for the Disabled.
6.5. By way of further example, in 1999 the J.R.T.C.G.B. held a Commemorative Show Weekend to celebrate it's twenty fifth anniversary (see Appendix IV). This was held at Swimbridge, a small village in North Devon, which was once the home of the Reverend John Russell after whom these terriers were named. The show was organised by the J.R.T.C.G.B., but participants included Swimbridge School, Swimbridge Church, North Devon Marketing Bureau, Local Historic Homes and North Devon Council. Many local craft stalls and trade stands also attended.
The show profits of £2,100 were donated to worthy causes including Swimbridge School, Swimbridge P.T.A., Swimbridge Pre-School, Swimbridge Church, Jubilee Hall and the Tarka Brass Band.
The weekend attracted working terrier enthusiasts into the village and surrounding area from throughout Britain and as far afield as Ireland, the Channel Islands, France, U.S.A., Canada and Australia.
Local companies, local accommodation and local participants further benefited from the show by over £11,000 in direct expenditure. Companies outside of the area also benefited by a further £2,200. These figures do not include air fares and other forms of travelling expenses (source - Show Organisers).
7.2. The N.W.T.F. represents around 3000-4000 individual members. This is estimated to be 259/o of those engaged in terrier work, which equates to a total of around 14,000 owners of working terriers. A recent survey (December 1999) of 25 members indicated that on average they spent between £1,200 and £1,800 annually on such items as feed, equipment, veterinary services and products, attending shows etc. We took a median figure of £1,500. This suggests that the financial turnover associated with terrier work is of the order of £21 million annually.
7.3. It is estimated that around 60,000 foxes are culled annually with terriers (source Wildlife Network leaflet - "Putting the fox first"). The commercial rate, quoted by a medium sized pest control company, to deal with an Urban fox started at £265 per capita. This covered an initial site survey, a second visit to bait and set a loan cage trap and a third visit to collect/dispose. There would also be additional charges in respect of any further visits. As terriermen make no charge for their services and given the charge imposed commercially this implies that the value of the free service provided by terriermen to the rural community is of the order of £16 million.
B. THE N.W.T.F. ACCREDITED MEMBERSHIP SCHEME.
8.1. In 1997 the N.W.T.F. formulated and implemented a national identification card scheme and register of independent terriermen/pest controllers of 'accredited' status.
8.2. This scheme, known as the 'N.W.T.F. Accredited Membership Scheme' is only available through N.W.T.F. Member Clubs.
8.3. All applicants are pre-vetted at a local Club level for suitability before being recommended for acceptance and must be of good character, suitably experienced and properly insured (see standard application form - Appendix V).
9.1. The primary aims and objectives of the N.W.T.F. Accredited Membership Scheme are to:
i ) Show that those who own and work terriers, but who are not directly connected with registered hunts, are capable of self regulation without the necessity for government legislation.
ii) Create a register of independent terriermen/pest controllers who are committed to working terriers in accordance with best practices and recognised codes of conduct.
iii) Instil confidence in the rural community to whom they provide a service, and to politicians, the media and the public, that such persons are easily identifiable, properly insured and responsible individuals.
10. PROCEDURES FOR ACCREDITATION.
The summarised procedures for the N.W.T.F. Accredited Membership Scheme are as follows:
10.1. As from 1st June 1997 all Member Clubs of the N.W.T.F. will have available two levels of membership i.e. Standard Membership (as previously) and 'Accredited Membership' (a new level of membership to which these procedures relate).
10.2. 'Accredited Membership' will only be available through N.W.T.F. Member Clubs and it is to those clubs which all individual applications must be addressed.
10.3. All applications for 'Accredited Membership' will be on an individual basis and via a standard form which will be common to all Member Clubs (see Appendix V).
10.4. Each applicant must:
i) Have been a Standard Club Member for a minimum of two years.
ii) Signify in writing their agreement to adhere to the N.W.T.F. Code of Conduct at all times.
iii) Through their club join the Countryside Alliance group membership scheme which will provide them with £5m legal liability cover, £30,000 accident disability cover and £15,000 accidental death cover.
iv) Supply three signed colour passport type photographs.
v) Through their club pay the annual registration fee.
10.5. Member Clubs will be responsible for vetting each applicant for suitability at a local level and forwarding a recommendation for acceptance or rejection to the N.W.T.F. Executive for final consideration.
10.6. Recommendations for acceptance or rejection will be made only by designated Member Club officials and must be based on a personal knowledge of the applicant concerned.
10.7. The N.W.T.F. will issue each successful applicant with a laminated identification card which bears their name and photograph (see Appendix V).
10.8. Each individual 'Accredited Membership. must be reviewed and renewed on an annual basis by re-applying. It may also be immediately withdrawn from any individual who is found to have broken the N.W.T.F. Code of Conduct or it is felt has brought terrierwork into disrepute.
10.9. The N.W.T.F. in conjunction with Member Clubs and other interested and responsible organisations will maintain a register of unsuitable applicants.
10.10. Appeals against any matters relating to the above (i.e. acceptance, rejection or withdrawal of membership) will be dealt at the N.W.T.F. Annual General Meeting and will be voted upon by those Member Clubs present.
C. THE WORKING TERRIER.
11.1. Throughout history, man has found it necessary to control the populations of certain animals regarded as pests, either because of their destructive or predatory nature, the risk of disease and in more recent times their conflict with farming interests or the balance of other wildlife (see Appendix Vl).
11.2. Some of these animals spend much of their time underground and are most easily located there. The terrier, small bodied, but strong, intelligent and with a nose as keen as its nature, was originally bred for controlling these pests, both above and below ground. Indeed, the name 'terrier' is derived from the Latin 'Terra', meaning earth.
11.3. Dogs of a terrier type have been known in Britain since ancient times, and as early as the Middle Ages, these little dogs were portrayed by writers and painters. It is commonly believed that the British Isles are the origin of most terriers. They are mentioned as a means of pest control in the Book of St. Albans (1406), a book which is recognised as one of the oldest known works on hunting.
11.4. There are twenty six different breeds of terriers recognised by the British Kennel Club, all but two originate from Britain and almost all were originally bred for pest control purposes. Many owe their names to the area from which they originated (e.g. the Bedlington Terrier) or the types of earths they worked (e.g. the Cairn Terrier) and reflect the strong links between the working terrier and the British countryside.
11.5. Today, despite modern firearms, traps and poisons (many of which are illegal), the essential role of the terrier in pest control remains. In many situations, terrier work is the most humane and sometimes the only method possible.
12.1. It is the natural instinct of a terrier to seek out and pursue vermin both above and below ground. It is an instinct which is very difficult to curb. This is reflected in the increasing number of pet terriers rescued by working terrier clubs which, despite being from 'non-working' stock, have gone off hunting of their own volition and have become 'lost' below ground (see Appendix III). In many such instances, once located, the dog is found not to be stuck but simply following it's natural instincts.
12.2. Indeed, in the case of incursion by such a terrier into a badger sett, it is a matter of policy with both the R.S.P.C.A. and M.A.F.F. that a license to interfere with the sett will not be granted to retrieve the terrier until at least forty eight hours has elapsed. This is because it is felt that the dog may eventually leave of it's own free will.
12.3. The other natural instinct of the working terrier, and a characteristic which has been enhanced by selective breeding, is that of barking at it's quarry. until very recently this was an essential quality in any working terrier in that it was the only means by which it could be located whilst underground or in dense cover (i.e. prior to the development and use of locating equipment)..
12.4. It is this characteristic which at times has earned the terrier the reputation of being 'snappy'. In reality they are more 'yappy' (i.e. barks) than 'snappy' (i.e. bites). They are strong willed yet intelligent, and serve as loyal and affectionate companions. Many form part of their owner's family and there is more than one working terrier which spends part of it's day underground and evenings on it's owner's bed.
D. PEST CONTROL WITH TERRIERS.
13.1. The Use of terriers to control pests has evolved, improved and continued to flourish over many hundreds of years. If a more practical, efficient or effective alternative existed, terrier work would long since have been superseded as a result of natural progression. In many pest control situations it is the most humane method available and it is the only legal method of controlling foxes below ground.
13.2. The terrier's primary role is not to fight with it's quarry. The role is to locate the quarry below ground and to bark at it continuously, either causing it to leave the earth, or alternatively to indicate where in the earth the quarry is located, in order that it can be dug to and dispatched. Terriers are also used to locate and flush quarry above ground and in dense cover.
13.3. Terriers are used in association with foxhounds and minkhounds. Terriers are kept by farmers to control pests and used by gamekeepers who are required to control foxes, particularly in woodlands and other areas where shooting may be impractical. Independent pest control services are also available, wherever rats, rabbits mink or foxes are causing damage. All responsible terriermen ensure the necessary culling of pests is carried out as humanely and efficiently as possible, in accordance with the N.W.T.F. Code of Conduct.
13.4. Pest control with terriers is recognised and widely practised throughout Europe (including Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Norway, Sweden, etc.) and in various other parts of the world (including Australia, Canada, Czech Republic, Iceland, New Zealand, Slovakia, South Africa, Tasmania, U.S.A., to name but a few).
13.5. It is an essential service which is well accepted by the farming and rural communities, with whose consent and upon whose land it takes place. Indeed, anyone engaged in terrier work without the landowners permission, is liable to face prosecution and, if convicted, a likely custodial sentence.
13.6. Terrier work is a selective form of control, in that if a fox caUses damage does occur it is often possible, with the necessary field craft skills, to locate the culprit's den (see Appendix Vll) and ensure it is humanely dispatched. Foxes are opportunist killers, but experience has shown that it is often the old, sick or injured which turn to alternative food sources when they are unable to catch natural wild prey.
13.7. Terrier work is one of the few control methods where the quarry is normally identified alive and to hand before being dispatched. All activity is localised and takes place over a relatively small area, normally a few hundred square metres maximum.
13.8. Terrier work poses no threat to domestic pets, farm animals or other wildlife, neither does it interfere in any way with the activities or interests of non-participants.
14. THE NEED TO CONTROL PESTS.
14.2. Rabbits eat and destroy farmers's crops and young trees, and damage embankments and dykes by burrowing.
14.3. Mink hunt on land, but are also expert hunters in the water. They are extremely agile, climb trees as readily as a squirrel and are capable of entering small underground burrows. They are voracious hunters and opportunistic predators, taking whatever prey is available.
14.4. Mink pose a serious threat, not only to fish and waterfowl, but also to any nesting birds - ground or otherwise, small mammals, domestic poultry and gamebirds, as well as domestic pets. They have no natural predators and it is estimated that a single breeding female will make several hundred kills in a year. The decline in moorhens and other waterfowl in certain areas has been attributed to mink, as has the virtual extinction of our native water vole (source "The Water Vole in Britain 1989-90: Its Distribution and Changing Status. - The Vincent Wildlife Trust.)..
14.5. Foxes prey on poultry, lambs, piglets, ground nesting birds and small mammals including domestic pets. In addition they carry a number of diseases and parasites capable of being communicated to humans and other animals. These include Streptocossus, E.coli, Salmonellosis, Sarcoptes Scabiei (mange), Toxocara Canis and Toxoscaris Leonina (roundworm) and Trichinella Spiralis (tapeworm) - (source "The Red Fox" - Hugh Lloyd.).
14.6. Foxes, like mink, also indulge in 'surplus killing', i.e. the taking of a large number of prey at one time and far in excess of that which they could reasonably expect to eat (see Appendix Vl). The need to control foxes is further borne out by the Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food's response to a question from the Phelps Inquiry which stated that 'Foxes can cause serious local problems for individual farmers and the Ministry considers that foxes do need to be controlled to minimise lamb losses.' (page 35, paragraph 6.4.).
15. RECENT CHANGES IN PRACTICES AND IN THE LAW.
Over the past decade or so, there have been a number of significant changes both in the practices associated with terrier work, as well as in the laws affecting it. These include:
15.1. The improved reliability, increased performance and much wider use of electronic terrier locating equipment. This consists of a locator collar containing a small electronic transmitter which is attached to the terrier and a hand held receiver. The receiver is calibrated and enables the operator to not only accurately monitor the terrier's movements below ground, but also to monitor it's depth.
15.2. The standard locating equipment operates up to a depth of fifteen feet and this may be doubled with a special adapter. This is ample, as the average depth of a dig is around three feet. Today, It would be most unusual to intentionally allow a terrier to enter a fox earth unless wearing locating equipment. It helps safeguard the terrier and also ensures that the quarry is quickly found and dispatched.
15.3. The 1892 Badgers Act made it illegal to enter a terrier into an active badger sett. These are a much deeper and far more extensive range of tunnels than a fox earth. As a result the earths which are worked today are much smaller and less complex than those in the past. Once again, this means the quarry is more quickly and easily located before being dispatched.
15.4. Terrier work is subject to laws which provide strict sanctions against cruelty to animals. The Protection of Animals Act (1911) provides safeguards in relation to thetreatment of domestic (i.e. terriers) or captive wild animals. A finding of guilt in Kingston on Thames Crown Court (R.S.P.C.A. v. Lawrence and Rackley 1995), based upon the fact the defendants were trespassing, now means that anyone engaged in terrier work without the landowners consent may find themselves arrested and charged under the 1911 Act.
15.5. The implementation of the Wild Mammals Protection Act (1996) has provided further safeguards regarding the treatment of wild mammals. A conviction under either Act is likely to result in a custodial sentence. This has effectively and rightly served to discourage irresponsible individuals, who in the past had committed acts of trespass and/or cruelty, which are not any part of proper terrier work.
15.6. There has in the past been concern expressed regarding so called 'hard' and 'soft' terrier work. Indeed, it is the former which has in the past gained terrier work some negative press and which included practices which were of questionable legality. Whilst each terrier will have a different character and temperament, as indeed will each fox, it is very much the manner in which terrier work is carried out which has the greatest effect.
15.7. The N.W.T.F. recognised and shared these concerns, which were a significant contributing factor in their drawing up the N.W.T.F. Code of Conduct (see Appendix I). The Code not only highlights and emphasises the legal requirements for those engaged in terrier work, but also identifies the best practices to be followed. Rules 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12 and their associated notes deal with these welfare issues (see Appendix I) and ensure that any possible risk of suffering is minimised and that previous bad practices are excluded.
15.8. These factors, combined with the implementation of the N.W.T.F. Code of Conduct alongside that of the Masters of Fox Hounds Association, mean that today properly conducted terrier work is carried out in a controlled and humane manner.
15.9. This is further reflected in the findings of the Phelps Inquiry and it's comments on terrier work which concluded that, 'It is safe to conclude that, nationwide, the whole 'digging out act' has been cleaned up." (page 51, paragraph 8.7.3.i.) and Terriermen are very sensitive to the rules laid down by the M.F.H.A. and their own Terriermen's Association." (page 51, paragraph 8.7.3.ii.).
16.1. So, what is terrier work? What does it involve and how is it carried out? First and foremost it is a form of pest control. In fact it has many similarities with that other well known and widely practised form of pest control - ferreting.
16.2. In both instances, it is a domestic animal fitted with a locator collar which goes below ground to locate and flush out another mammal. In both instances, the quarry may not always leave the earth and it may prove necessary to dig down in order to retrieve and dispatch it. In fact, the only real difference is that one involves a ferret and a rabbit, and the other a terrier and a fox.
16.3. How is it carried out? Let us consider the typical scenario of a farmer who has been losing chickens. One day, he notices fresh chicken feathers in a hedge bottom. As he gets closer he can see the feathers are outside one of the entrance holes to an old rabbit warren. He quietly approaches the entrance by moving around the earth's perimeter, not across it, avoiding any unnecessary noise or vibrations. Upon closer inspection, it is apparent that a couple of the entrance holes have been slightly enlarged. He carefully checks these and the remainder of the warren for signs of badger (as detailed in the Five Rules for the Terrierman card - see Appendix V), but none are present. He does however notice fox pad marks in the sand outside one of the holes, more feathers inside one of the other holes, the distinctive odour of fox and a fox dropping on a nearby mole hill. Confident that the earth is now being used by a fox he quickly returns home.
Once home, he collects his farmhand, terrier, bag of purse nets, terrier locator, spade, probe bar and gun. The terrier locator is checked to ensure it is working correctly and they drive back to the den, parking the vehicle a short distance away. Once again, they approach the den quietly, this time placing a net over each of the entrance holes. The farmer returns to his vehicle, fits his terrier with it's locating collar and takes both dog and gun back to the earth. He allows the dog to quietly slip into the larger entrance hole and stands back with his gun. After a few minutes the terrier is heard to be barking below ground. A few minutes later there is a brown flash at one of the other holes and a fox is bundled up alive as the net quickly closes around it. The farmer moves swiftly across the earth, quickly inspects and identifies the quarry as a fox (and not another animal) and dispatches it immediately. The fox is removed and the net replaced. A short while later the terrier emerges from the same hole as the fox, shakes the sand from its coat and excitedly wags his tail at his master. The terrier is once again allowed to enter the earth, but this time from each of the remaining entrance holes. Each time he passes straight through the earth indicating there are no more foxes in residence. The dog is checked for any signs of injuries, none are present, and it and the gun are returned to the vehicle. The nets are removed and each of the entrance holes is loosely filled with soil so that the farmer can tell if the earth was being shared with another fox, or if one decides to take up residence at a later date. In a short time both dog and master are back at the farmhouse and a known poultry killer has been prevented from causing further damage.
16.4. In the example quoted the offending poultry killer was easily identified and dealt with accordingly. Had it been a nursing vixen, this would have been quickly recognised and the necessary action taken to locate and dispose of her cubs also. This may seem harsh, but with other forms of control, the vixen would have been dispatched away from the den, the location of her cubs would not have been known and they would have faced the possibility of death by starvation.
16.5. Foxes are lazy diggers, whilst they may occasionally dig their own earths, they much prefer to enlarge a rabbit burrow, or other hole, and take up residence there. They also make use of man made structures such as drains and hay bale stacks, and frequent rock piles.
16.6. For the purpose of this report, the author surveyed a cross section of hunt terrier men. The survey included a gun pack, footpacks and mounted packs. The regions covered were Wales, the Pennines, the Midlands, the South of England and the West Country. In most instances the findings were very similar. These being that, once a terrier had entered the earth, the majority of foxes would chose to leave and this would normally be in ten minutes or less. Where it was necessary to dig down to the fox, the average depth was around three foot and the average time taken approximately thirty minutes or less.
16.7. Such is the importance of terrier work in fox control, that in its submission to the Phelps Inquiry the Welsh Farmers Fox Control Association described terrier work as "essential" ( page 95, paragraph 8).
16.8. The Scottish Hill Packs Association, an organisation which represents some two thousand members involved in pest control, states that "Terriers and those who know how to work them effectively and humanely are absolutely essential in the control of pest species in upland areas. Used in conjunction with hound and gun, they are a vital tool of the highland fox-hunter and keeper. Without them moorland management would become impossible and predation on sheep flocks would be great/y increased."
16.9. Wildlife Network, an organisation known to be less than sympathetic towards terrier work, in it's literature ("Putting the Fox First") poses the question "So why not ban terrier work?" and goes on to state that "/n an ideal world we would - but the world is not ideal and realism must guide us here." ......."Ban terrier work and hunting would be seen by many farmers - the majority in some areas - as next to useless as a form of fox control. And that would lead to more shooting, more snaring, greater cruelty and quite possibly a higher annual death toll".
The Terrier
17.1. It is common practice, and would appear socially acceptable, for humans to spend time below ground whether out of economic necessity or for their own personal satisfaction. For hundreds of years miners, a social group in this country traditionally associated with working terriers, have travelled distances of several miles below ground and at depths of up to four thousand feet. There they spend a seven hour shift working with all manner of heavy equipment, extracting a variety of different minerals.
17.2. It is a natural instinct for most terriers to pursue vermin, whether above or below ground (see Appendix lil). That instinct is even stronger in working terriers, which have been selectively bred for such purpose for hundreds of years. Terrier work is an expression of this natural behaviour. Codes of conduct and responsible and experienced individuals ensure this takes place with the minimum possible risk to the terrier or it's quarry and that it is carried out as quickly, efficiently and humanely as possible.
17.3. If it is to be suggested that it is cruel to allow a working terrier to spend thirty minutes or so in a fox earth, then it must bring into even greater question the policy, supported by both M.A.F.F. and the R.S.P.C.A., of waiting forty eight hours before issuing licenses to rescue pet dogs which have been lost in badger setts. As must the alleged unwillingness, or inability, of animal welfare organisations to assist in such rescues. The former involves a fit and healthy, experienced working terrier, fitted with proper locating equipment and supervised by an experienced person. Whilst the other involves an inexperienced pet dog of questionable fitness, no locating equipment, an inexperienced and distressed owner, and the possibility of the dog facing an animal twice the size of a fox. The owner doesn't want the dog down there, neither does the badger, R.S.P.C.A. or M.A.F.F., and after that amount of time it is unlikely that the dog wishes to remain there either. The inexperienced pet dog faces by far the greater risk and this should be viewed as a real animal welfare issue and be dealt with accordingly.
17.4. It may also be suggested that terrier work is some form of animal exploitation, then where does that leave us in the case of the miners? The controlling of pests or predators is just as much an economic necessity as the mining of minerals and certainly less harmful to the environment. Consider the activities of potholers, not only do they put themselves at risk, but also those who may be called upon to rescue them.
17.5. Should these, and other similar activities, not be banned? Both contain an equal or greater element of risk than terrier work and both are conducted below ground. Clearly that is an impractical and unrealistic approach and would quite justifiably lead to accusations of the creation of a 'Nanny State'. In practice, what takes place is that we set up realistic rules and codes of practice, proper supervision and facilities for updating those rules. As with the Health and Safety Executive, Safety at Work Act, Building Regulations etc. In reality a similar situation already exists within most of those organisations and groups involved in hunting with dogs and certainly in relation to terrier work.
The Fox
17.6. Throughout it's natural life, a fox will constantly be contesting with other animals in order to survive in the wild. These are more a display of aggression rather than a physical act. They are not intended to be, nor are they, life or death struggles. Whether it be a badger disputing the occupancy, or part occupancy, of a sett, or the mobbing by crows and magpies as the fox enters their territory. Or another fox disputing territorial or mating rights, or a collie chasing it away from a farm yard. It is a 'natural' process and one which started when, as a cub, it vied with it's litter mates for food and one which continues throughout it's 'natural' life. Terrier work is a similarly 'natural' process, in that it compares with events and activities which a fox would normally encounter. It is an attempt by another animal to get it to leave it's earth and relinquish it's territory.
17.7. These facts are further reflected in the findings of the Phelps Inquiry which concluded that:
"In the great majority of cases, the fox appears relatively unmoved by the goings on around it it does not pant, salivate, whirl around in circles, defecate, urinate or show other signs of great fear." (page 51, paragraph 8.7.3.iv.).
"Anthropomorphically, one imagines the fox would be very frightened by the combination of human-associated sounds, smells and sights that accompany digging out, yet the evidence, such as it is, suggests not; no evacuation of bowel and bladder, no panting and frothing at the mouth, no dashing about in crazed circles and no desperate attempts to bolt past the terrier or the terrier man." (page 52, paragraph 8.7.6.).
"It seems reasonable to assume the fox will not be too frightened or distressed by the arrival of the terrier since the opponent is another canid of roughly equivalent size that, in most cases, stands off and barks rather than attacks and bites, we must assume that the initial posturing between the two animals soon settles down into a sort of 'mutually agreed stand off'.' An analogous situation of equal aggravation and tension might occur between two dog foxes challenging each other for territorial rights or the right to mate a vixen in season." (page 52, paragraph 8.7.5.).
18.1. It is estimated that each year approximately 190,000 foxes are culled by a variety of legal and widely practised methods and that in addition a further 70,000 die by unknown means (including illegal gassing and poisoning). Of the estimated 190,000 foxes culled by known legal methods it is estimated around 42°~ involved shooting, 42% dogs and 16% snaring. (source: Wildlife Network - "Putting the Fox First"). If terrier work and other forms of pest control with dogs were banned, foxes would still need to be culled, and in many areas this would lead to a significantly increased use of other methods. One must consider the effect this would have on the welfare of the fox, other wildlife and the remaining alternatives.
18.2. There are various legal methods of controlling pests, but for pests below ground the only alternative to terrier work is either gas or poison. Both are illegal for fox control and neither of these is as humane or selective as terrier work. If the option of terrier work is removed, this will lead to an increase in illegal gassing and poisoning, which will in turn lead to increased cruelty and suffering, and will undoubtably have an affect on other wildlife.
18.3. Those supporting a ban on more traditional forms of hunting foxes with dogs, frequently suggest that instead this should be replaced by "flushing foxes with dogs, to be shot with guns." They make no reference as to how these dogs should be prevented from catching the fox, as with hounds. Neither do they make any reference as to how any fox which is wounded and immediately seeks refuge below ground, as they often will, may be retrieved and dispatched. Without terriers this would be impossible and the foxes would be left to die of their wounds. During last year (1998-99) a Welsh shooting pack accounted for two hundred and fifty nine foxes, one hundred and twenty of those were with terriers. So far this year (as at January 2000) they have accounted for two hundred and twenty foxes, one hundred and twenty five of those with terriers.
18.4. If the use of dogs for fox control purposes is outlawed, it will inevitably lead to an increase in the two remaining legal methods i.e. snaring and shooting. The increased pressures in this area will also mean that at times both of these are practised by inexperienced persons and result in increased suffering.
18.5. The supporters of M.P. Michael Foster's Bill (I.F.A.W., L.A.C.S. and R.S.P.C.A.) stated that in relation to the use of snares "they are legal, but we are opposed to their use due to their indiscriminate nature and the suffering involved". Gamekeepers representatives in response to the Phelps Inquiry state ="illicit 'lamping' (night shooting of foxes) carried out by irresponsible amateurs is a significant and rising source of cruelty due to the high proportion of foxes that are inexpertly shot and escape wounded." (page 54, paragraph 8.8.4.).
18.6. As the fox population and density levels increase we will inevitably see, as has been evidenced with urban foxes, an increase in the amount and spread of diseases such as mange etc., leading to further suffering.
18.7 The population increase will place an additional burden on food supplies. This will lead to increased predation, which in turn will lead to the need for increased control. It will create a spiral effect from which no one will benefit, least of all the fox.
19.1. Terrier work contributes to the rural economy by providing a free pest control service to the approximate value of £16 million. It contributes to the national economy to the approximate value of £21 million. It makes a significant contribution to the social and cultural life of of the countryside and supports local amenities. It provides a pest control service which is selective and therefore assists in the proper management of quarry species, whilst also assisting in the conservation of other natural species. It achieves this in a manner which poses no threat to domestic pets, farm animals or other wildlife, neither does it interfere in any way with the activities or interests of non-participants.
19.2. If pest control with terriers is banned, it will lead to increased cruelty and unnecessary suffering. If the Government's real intention is to improve animal welfare, then in real terms, far more good would be achieved by considering the ways in which the existing rules and codes of conduct of the various organisations could be built upon and reinforced.
Date uploaded to site 28 March 2000