Fans of trail hunting claim it is being unfairly maligned - but animal groups have been seeking an end to the practice for many years.

They cite examples of illegal practices where hounds end up chasing live prey and claim trail hunts can be used as a "smokescreen" for hunting animals.

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Trail hunting involves setting a pre-laid scent trail for hounds to follow and was created in the wake of an impending ban on hunting with dogs which came into force in 2005.

Labour listed the ban on trail hunting among its manifesto pledges in 2024 and plans to make good on the promise after firing the starting gun on a consultation process on March 26.

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Colin Hackshall - a 69-year-old from Loddon who has retired from the wholesale food industry - has been a lifelong enthusiast of hunting, and in the last 20 years, of trail hunting.

Just over a month ago he retired as joint master of the Waveney & North Norfolk Harriers but remains involved.

"We all knew this was coming honestly," he says. "It's sad to see."

Critics say the hunts disturb wildlife but a couple who let their dog off the lead will be doing the same and will have less control over their animals, he argues.

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The Labour government is "attacking the countryside left, right and centre", he complains.

If the ban goes through as planned it could cause real economic harm in rural communities - as well as much heartache, he adds.

His hunt employs one full-timer at its kennels between Halesworth and Bungay while another three or four people come along and help out daily.

Hunts are held once or twice a........

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