FOX hunt gatherings appear to have continued through lockdown restrictions, the Scottish Greens have warned.
The party’s environment spokesperson raised the issue in Holyrood after The League Against Cruel Sports said some hunts appear to be going out three times a week as usual, with large gatherings in attendance.
It was suggested that some hunts could be exploiting exceptions allowing six people to gather for “pest control” and 30 to gather for “equestrian events”.
Mark Ruskell said this is happening while Scottish citizens are confined to the rule of six – meaning just six people from two households can meet outdoors.
Speaking at the Scottish Parliament’s Covid Committee, Constitution Secretary Michael Russell stated there are “no super exemptions” and requested more details on the hunts.
After, Ruskell, who represents Mid Scotland and Fife, said: “Most people think fox hunting is banned in Scotland, yet here we have them apparently continuing as normal, even when most people are complying with strict public health measures which restrict our activities.
“As usual, the assumption is that it is one rule for them and another for the rest of us. A group of people can’t gather to kick a football around the park, yet they can go out in large numbers and kill wildlife for sport? That is ridiculous."
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