Burns Inquiry facts for kids
The Burns Inquiry was a special group set up by the UK government. Its job was to look closely at the facts about hunting with dogs, like fox hunting, in England and Wales. People had very different opinions about this type of hunting.
Contents
Why the Inquiry Was Set Up
In December 1999, Jack Straw, who was then the Home Secretary (a top government minister), announced that this inquiry would begin. It was led by a retired government official named Lord Burns.
What the Inquiry Looked Into
The inquiry had specific goals to investigate:
- How different types of hunting with dogs actually worked.
- The impact of hunting on the countryside, farming, and controlling pests.
- How hunting affected the social and cultural life in rural areas.
- Its effects on managing and protecting wildlife.
- Most importantly, how hunting affected the welfare of animals.
The committee also had to consider what would happen if hunting with dogs was banned. They needed to figure out how such a ban could be put into action.
How the Inquiry Gathered Information
The group did a lot of work to find answers. They ordered many scientific studies and visited actual hunting events. They also held meetings where people could share their evidence and opinions. The inquiry focused only on the facts and did not try to decide if hunting was right or wrong.
Who Was on the Committee
Jack Straw chose the members of the committee after talking with Lord Burns. The main members were:
- Lord Burns (the leader)
- Dr Victoria Edwards OBE
- Professor Sir John Marsh
- Lord Soulsby of Swaffham Prior
- Professor Michael Winter
Some groups, like the League Against Cruel Sports, felt that some members had connections to hunting. They thought this might make the inquiry unfair.
What the Inquiry Found
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The most talked-about finding from the committee was about animal welfare. They concluded that hunting with dogs "seriously compromises" (meaning it causes serious harm to) the welfare of the animals being hunted. This often included animals like foxes.
Was Hunting Called Cruel?
Even though they found animals suffered, the committee did not say that hunting was "cruel." Lord Burns later explained that they did not have enough clear proof to make a judgment about cruelty. He said it was a very complicated issue.
How People Reacted to the Report
The report was quite unusual because both sides of the debate welcomed it. Both hunters and anti-hunting groups found parts of the report that supported their views.
What Happened Next
After the Burns Inquiry report was published, the government introduced a new law proposal. This proposal allowed different parts of Parliament to choose how to deal with hunting. They could choose to ban it, allow it with special licenses, or let hunters regulate themselves.
The Hunting Act 2004
The House of Commons (elected politicians) voted to ban hunting. However, the House of Lords (another part of Parliament) wanted hunters to regulate themselves. After more discussions and changes, the law eventually became the Hunting Act 2004. This Act made hunting with dogs illegal in England and Wales.
