Press Release: Vikki Slade MP Backs The New Hunting Ban

Today, Vikki Slade, Member of Parliament for Mid Dorset and North Poole, has declared her support for The New Hunting Ban—a campaign bringing together parliamentarians, experts, and stakeholders to draft the gold standard in hunting legislation, with the goal of delivering a truly watertight ban on hunting with hounds.

Since her election in 2024, Vikki has been an outspoken advocate for animal welfare, voicing her opposition to pet smuggling, badger culling, animal testing, and hunting with hounds. She becomes the sixth MP—and the first Liberal Democrat—to back The New Hunting Ban ahead of the government’s announced consultation on trail hunting later this year.

Twenty years after the Hunting Act 2004 was meant to bring an end to hunting with hounds, the practice continues unabated, with British wildlife still being killed in brutal fashion. The issue is particularly pressing in Dorset, where members of the Blackmore & Sparkford Vale Hunt and the Portman Hunt have been convicted of hunting offences within the past year. Both hunts were recently removed from the schedule of a local agricultural show. Hunts are also known to abuse dogs, antagonise local communities, and disrupt rural life.

Speaking in support of The New Hunting Ban, Vikki Slade MP said:

“As an animal lover and advocate for animal rights, I fully support the New Hunting Ban. We have Todd, our dog at home, along with two tortoises. These wonderful animals deserve love and care, but this care should not stop with the animals we consider part of the family. Protecting our wildlife is something my constituents and I feel strongly about.”

“I have been vocal about putting an end to puppy, kitten and ferret smuggling, stopping inhumane badger culling, and phasing out animal testing. My support of the New Hunting Ban continues my actions in this space by stopping the illegal killing of wildlife by ending hunting with hounds.”

“Together, we can foster a future where biodiversity is preserved, and our natural heritage is respected for generations to come.”

Rhys Giles, Director of The New Hunting Ban, added:

“We’re thrilled to have Vikki’s support. She’s an undeniable friend to animals and the countryside.

There is no issue more unanimously supported across England and Wales than finally ending hunting with hounds—yet the government continues to stall. The longer we wait, the more wildlife suffer.

The New Hunting Ban is about bringing the voices of those who protect wildlife into Parliament, so we can finally fix the law together.”