Ben Wallace criticizes policing bias in trail hunts
- Sir Ben Wallace criticized the policing of trail hunting, claiming unequal treatment between hunt members and saboteurs.
- He specifically called out Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Matthew Longman for his comments on trail hunting being a cover for illegal activities.
- Wallace's remarks suggest a need for reform in how hunting-related crimes are investigated to ensure fairness.
Sir Ben Wallace, the former defence secretary, has raised concerns about perceived bias in policing related to trail hunting in England. He criticized Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Matthew Longman, who leads on hunting with hounds crime, for suggesting that trail hunting serves as a cover for illegal hunting activities. Wallace, now a board member of the British Hound Sports Association, expressed that there is a disparity in how law enforcement treats hunt members compared to hunt saboteurs, indicating a 'two-tier policing' system in rural areas. This sentiment was echoed by his disappointment that Longman declined an invitation to the BHSA's national trail hunting day, which took place at 30 locations across the country. Wallace's comments highlight ongoing tensions between hunting enthusiasts and those who oppose hunting practices, raising questions about the fairness and effectiveness of policing in these contexts.