Contract 1

THE PRACTICE OF HUNTING WITH DOGS IN ENGLAND AND WALES AND IN OTHER COUNTRIES: PREPARATION OF A BACKGROUND PAPER

Background

The terms of reference for the Committee of Inquiry are:

"To inquire into:

The practical aspects of different types of hunting with dogs and its impact on the rural economy, agriculture and pest control, the social and cultural life of the countryside, the management and conservation of wildlife, and animal welfare in particular areas of England and Wales;

The consequences for these issues of any ban on hunting with dogs; and

How any ban might be implemented.

To report the findings to the Secretary of State for the Home Department".

In order to fulfil the first of these requirements, the Committee of Inquiry seeks a background paper on the practice of hunting in England and Wales and in selected other countries.

Research objectives

The objectives of the study are to

a) describe as concisely as practicable a "typical" day’s hunting with dogs in England and Wales in relation to the four quarry species covered by the Inquiry (deer, fox, hare and mink) and a "typical" hare coursing event, noting any significant regional variations.

b) summarise any rules or regulations governing the way in which hunting or coursing is conducted, or the licensing of hunts in particular areas, together with any available information about enforcement arrangements and action which has been taken to deal with alleged breaches.

c) draw attention to any significant changes which have occurred in recent years in the way in which hunting or coursing is conducted.

d) note any geographical variations arising from, for example, different practices in different parts of England and Wales.

e) draw attention to any matters about which there appears to be any significant dispute as to the facts.

f) make recommendations as to how any of these matters of dispute might be resolved through research or further investigation.

For selected other countries we require an account of hunting/coursing which will:

summarise the legal position and main legislative provisions.
examine the extent and nature of hunting coursing with dogs of foxes, deer, hares and mink or other animals.
describe practice in respect of hunting coursing with dogs, as far as possible taking the same approach as for England and Wales (but with less detail), noting any particular aspects which contrast with the position in England and Wales.
consider any lessons drawn from other countries which might be relevant to the Committee of Inquiry, given its terms of reference, making recommendations, if appropriate, on the need for any further investigation.

The countries for consideration are:

Scotland

Republic of Ireland

USA

Canada

Australia

A selection of European Union countries

Potential contractors are invited to comment on this choice of countries and offer guidance as to which EU countries should be selected. We envisage that at least half of the member states should be covered. Please note that the Committee plans to commission a separate study (Contract 8) which will, inter alia, examine the extent to which drag and bloodhound hunting are practised in other countries.

Methodology

It is envisaged that the research will be conducted by contractors with a high level of existing knowledge of hunting/coursing in Britain. Thus the section of the research covering England and Wales is likely to be based on existing knowledge and desk analysis. The latter will include analysis of descriptive accounts of hunting/coursing, including those which are being prepared by the Countryside Alliance or others. This research may be supplemented with key interviews and, if necessary, with visits to hunts. It should be noted that all proposed contacts with hunts or visits to hunts should be discussed with the Committee in advance.

The work on other countries is likely to be based on desk analysis supplemented by telephone interviews with key informants in the various countries. It is not anticipated that the timetable for the research will allow for visits to hunts in these countries. In outlining their methodology, potential contractors should provide details of how contacts will be made.

The research results should be fully referenced and in your tender you should provide an indication of likely key references to be consulted in the desk analysis for England and Wales and how you would go about seeking published information regarding other countries.

Reporting

The researcher will be expected to produce:

10 copies of a draft report

10 copies of the final report

The researcher will be expected to provide a copy of the final report in electronic format suitable for conversion for Internet publication.

The Committee intends to make available on its website both the draft report and the final report. The Committee also intends that the draft report will be discussed at a seminar or seminars - on dates to be arranged in April or early May - which will involve others who have a particular knowledge of, and expertise in, this topic.

It is expected that the contract will be awarded by 23 February 2000. A draft report will be required by 31 March 2000 and the final report by no later than two weeks after the date of the relevant seminar or seminars.

The researchers may be required to attend up to three meetings with the Committee in London and will be required to keep the Secretariat advised of progress in completing the project.

1 February 2000

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