Nigel Farage has accused Peta of objecting to people who are “enjoying themselves” amid renewed calls to end trail hunting.
The GB News presenter attended a Boxing Day trail hunt and hailed the “jolly” atmosphere, before urging the Government to refrain from any possible law adjustments.
It comes as Sir Keir Starmer was called on to “right the wrongs of the past” and avoid taking action on the issue, despite his previous pledge to “strengthen” the Hunting Act.
“It does seem bizarre that there’s now pressure being put on the Labour Party”, he said.
Nigel Farage attends a Boxing Day hunt
GB NEWS
"It’s a big thing in people’s calendars and it’s all about people going out riding, seeing the wonderful dogs and actually having fun.
“I get the feeling that Peta and others, what they really object to is people enjoying themselves.
“I would say very clearly, leave trail hunting alone. We do have to control foxes, if there are too many, wildlife suffers very badly.”
Despite pressure from anti-hunting activists, 100 meets are taking place across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The banning of traditional fox hunts has seen many turn to trail hunts, where packs of hounds following an artificial scent.
Animal rights campaigners argue this serves as “cover” for killing foxes.
Members of the Old Surrey, Burstow and West Kent Hunt arrive to gather at Chiddingstone Castle for their annual Boxing Day hunt
GETTY
Farage was present at Old Surrey Burstow and West Kent’s annual meet.
Detailing what happens at the hunts, Farage said: “There will be a big crowd here today, two or three thousand.
“It’s expected that around the country about a quarter of a million people will attend hunt meets, it’s important to remember that since 2004 these packs haven’t been hunting foxes.
“They’ve been hunting a trail and it does seem bizarre that there’s now pressure being put on the Labour Party, if they come to power, to ban people riding horses and following.”
The GB News star added that those responsible for imposing the hunt are now regretting their decision.
“Both Peter Mandelson and Tony Blair, who took a £1m donation from an anti-hunting charity, now say the legislation was a mistake”, he said.
“So let’s just leave alone where we are now.”
