The all-party parliamentary Middle Way Group and the Veterinary Association for Wildlife Management have released their latest scientific report into the repercussions of hunting on prey species.
The study, entitled The Natural Chase and compiled by vet Katie Colville, examines how wolves hunting prey for food has evolved into hounds hunting as an essential component of wildlife management.
It contends that predation of prey species is good for the environment as it not only cuts the numbers of herbivorous animals which overgraze areas, but is also good for prey species as it weeds out the sick and weak.
More than half the scientific literature used by Ms Colville was not available at the time of the Burns Inquiry in June 2000.
This news story was first published in Horse & Hound (24 January, 08)
