Charlie Pye-Smith is a journalist and author. In this episode, we discuss the implications of the Hunting Act of 2004. He explores how these bans have paradoxically worsened the conditions for hunted species like foxes, hares, and deer. 

Charlie argues that the ban has led to increased suffering for these animals and has disrupted traditional hunting practices that once maintained a balance in wildlife populations. 

He also highlights the cultural significance of hunting in rural communities and the potential consequences of further restrictions on hunting activities. The discussion touches on the complexities of animal welfare, the economics of hunting, and the future of hunting legislation in the UK.

Rural Wrongs - Hunting and the Unintended Consequences of Bad Law: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rural-Wrongs-Hunting-Unintended-Consequences/dp/1839528931 

Charlie’s Website: http://charliepyesmith.com/ 

My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joe.reilly/?hl=en 

0:00 - Trailer 

0:56 - Political Background 

4:25 - The Ban Has Made Life Worse For A Fox

10:50 - Rifle Killing vs. Hounds 

14:15 - Stag Hunting 

16:24 - Tony Blair Regretting The Ban 

22:20 - Will Hunting Be Reinstated? 

26:55 - The Cultural Side Of Hunting

29:58 - Rise In bTB Since The Ban

35:48 - Hare Poaching Increase

41:00 - Dinner With Sir Roger Scruton

49:52 - Future Of Hunting