CASE STUDY DISBANDMENT OF THE NEW FOREST BUCKHOUNDS
Background
The terms of reference for the Committee of Inquiry are:
"To inquire into:
To report the findings to the Secretary of State for the Home Department".
This particular study is intended to examine the impact in a particular locality of the disbandment of a hunt. It is hoped that this may throw some light on the possible impact of a ban on hunting with dogs, especially in terms of the response of present participants.
The Committee is planning to commission separate studies of the economic and social impact of hunting with dogs in England and Wales (Contracts 2, 3 and 4), and of involvement in drag or bloodhound hunting (Contract 8).
Research objectives
The objectives of the study are:
a) to inquire into the effects of the disbandment of the New Forest Buckhounds in
1997, having particular regard to the extent to which previous subscribers and followers of the hunt have continued hunting activities.
b) to establish what form these activities have taken and the extent to which the resources previously involved in hunting with dogs have continued to be employed in hunting or other activities.
c) to ascertain, in other cases, what happened to those resources and to what extent decisions were influenced by the disbandment of the hunt.
d) to ascertain attitudes to the possible establishment of a drag hunt.
e) to summarise the findings, drawing specific attention to any reservations which may need to be expressed about extrapolating general conclusions from the study.
Research methodology
The study will involve seeking information principally from individuals involved in running the hunt and subscribers and followers. (These are thought to number no more than about 60 people in total). Tenders should indicate how it is proposed to obtain this information.
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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