Wrexham academics to undertake independent review on fox hunting in North Wales

A team of academics at Wrexham Glyndwr University are to carry out an independent review of fox hunting in North Wales.

Members of Cyfiawnder: The Social Inclusion Research Institute at the university were recently-announced as the successful bidders to undertake the review on behalf of The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner.

The centrepiece of the research to be conducted by the team, comprising Professor Iolo Madoc-Jones; Dr Caroline Gorden and Lecturer Andy Jones, will be an analysis of how well the police have responded to recorded, investigated and prosecuted crime linked with hunting.

Since the hunting ban was introduced in 2004, hunting foxes with hounds has been a prohibited activity. Nationally, however, it is widely recognised that enforcing the Act is not always an easy matter, and concerns have been expressed about the way police respond to allegations of illegal fox hunting and manage public disorder associated with it when it is brought to their attention.

Professor Iolo Madoc-Jones (pictured above) said “This will be an independent review of how the Hunting Act has been policed in North Wales which will be conducted by members of Cyfiawnder who have many years’ experience of working in the criminal justice system.

“The team are experienced in examining aspects of practice in that system and will work to the highest standards of academic integrity to ensure their conclusions and any recommendations they make are evidence based.”

Dr Caro Gorden, recently appointed co-director of Cyfiawnder, added: “The fact we have been commissioned to undertake this review following a competitive exercise is hugely significant.

“The vision for the institute is that it will promote research within the university and become a resource for service providers in the health, social care and criminal justice arena to identify, promote and research good practice in those areas.”

Andy Dunbobbin, Police and Crime Commissioner for North Wales, said: “I am pleased that the team at Wrexham Glyndwr University will be conducting this review into the policing of the Hunting Act in North Wales and I know they will bring a great deal of expertise and local knowledge to bear in this work.

“The policing of the Act is an important and sensitive issue, with a wide variety of views among the different groups involved.

“But I am certain this independent review will help clarify how the Act is being policed, will pinpoint good practice, as well as offer recommendations where needed.

“I would encourage any individuals or groups with an interest in how the Hunting Act is policed in North Wales to engage with this review and make their voices heard.”