A raft of government proposals to improve animal welfare is being proposed in 2026 and plans include a ban on trail hunting in England and Wales, a practice which the government says is sometimes used as a smokescreen for illegal fox hunting.

However others see it as yet another attack on the countryside and rural communities.

Master Huntsman Charlie Dando of the Monmouthshire Hunt said that it would leave “hundreds of people, thousands of horses, and tens of thousands of hounds without a future”.

He went on to say: “ For whatever reason this government has a vendetta against the countryside, with not only the ban on trail hunting, increasing family farm tax, destroying farmers' lives and livelihoods, they seem intent on punishing the section of society that is law-abiding, charitable and useful. The new animal welfare bill is full of restrictions for farmers, which is yet another assault on them”

He claims this is “a class war from the Labour urban elites in Westminster - trail hunting is for everybody. It doesn't matter what walk of life you are from; we are a tight community, all are welcome on a day's trail hunting either on a horse or on foot.”

Since the hunting ban in 2004, the huntsmen have worked hard “to retrain our hounds and are proud of what we have achieved.

“The hunt employees that look after the hounds and horses do so 365 days of the year in all weathers and to the highest of standards. The number of hounds and horses in hunt kennels across the United Kingdom cannot simply be rehomed.

“Hounds are pack animals and with dog homes and shelters full to the brim due to the cost of living crisis that the government has brought on this country, what would happen to them and their welfare.”

Emma Judd, a representative of the League Against Cruel Sports, said research by the organisation revealed a majority of people supported a strengthened Hunting Act, amid the belief it is being used as a cover-up.

"If a trail is laid, it is laid near where wildlife and other animals such as livestock are being kept," she said. "So animals do get killed from trail hunting.

"Fox hunts wreaking havoc on rural communities," Ms Judd said.

Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds described the package as "the most ambitious animal welfare strategy in a generation".

Other proposals within the bill include an end to puppy farming and a possible ban on the use of electric shock dog collars, as well as ending the use of "confinement systems" in farming where hen cages and pig farrowing crates are used to contain sows during birth and nursing.

The use of slow-growing chickens will be promoted over the use of controversial so-called "Frankenchickens", a term used by animal welfare campaigners to describe fast-growing breeds.

Mr Dando added: “We all must fight to be able to preserve our way of life for future generations or watch this government destroy another part of British heritage, what will be next on their agenda?”