Law by nation → Trail hunting

Is trail hunting legal?

Trail hunting is the activity in which a dog is directed to find and follow an animal-based scent laid for that purpose. It is defined in statute in Scotland; elsewhere it is described in government consultation documents.

Last reviewed 22 August 2026. It depends which nation you are in — all four are below.

This is a description of the law, not legal advice. Every row links to the primary source and carries the date it was last checked. Check the source before relying on it — general licences are reissued each January and commencement dates move.

England

Not prohibited
In force from
not recorded
Instrument
Hunting Act 2004

The Hunting Act 2004 prohibits hunting a wild mammal with a dog. It does not prohibit trail hunting, in which a dog follows an animal-based scent laid for that purpose.

Proposed change — not yet law

Defra consulted on proposals to prohibit trail hunting in England and Wales between 26 March and 18 June 2026. The consultation states that the ban is not intended to extend to drag hunting or clean boot hunting.

Source

legislation.gov.uk · checked 22 August 2026

Wales

Not prohibited
In force from
not recorded
Instrument
Hunting Act 2004

The Hunting Act 2004 extends to England and Wales and prohibits hunting a wild mammal with a dog. It does not prohibit trail hunting.

Proposed change — not yet law

Defra consulted on proposals to prohibit trail hunting in England and Wales between 26 March and 18 June 2026. The consultation states that the ban is not intended to extend to drag hunting or clean boot hunting.

Source

legislation.gov.uk · checked 22 August 2026

Scotland

Banned, with exceptions
In force from
3 October 2023
Instrument
Hunting with Dogs (Scotland) Act 2023, section 14

It is an offence to engage or participate in trail hunting unless an exception under section 16 applies. Trail hunting is defined in section 14 as the activity in which a dog is directed to find and follow an animal-based scent laid for that purpose. Commenced by SSI 2023/262.

legislation.gov.uk · checked 22 August 2026

Northern Ireland

Not prohibited
In force from
not recorded
Instrument
no instrument recorded

The Hunting Act 2004 extends to England and Wales. No Northern Ireland legislation prohibiting hunting wild mammals with dogs or trail hunting has been identified.

Proposed change — not yet law

The Hunting with Dogs Bill, a private member's bill introduced in the Northern Ireland Assembly on 27 April 2026, would prohibit hunting a wild mammal with a dog and prohibit trail hunting. It completed Second Stage on 26 May 2026 and stands referred to the Committee for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs.

Source

legislation.gov.uk · checked 22 August 2026

Sources

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