Burns Inquiry

Jack Straw MP, announced the establishment of a Government inquiry into hunting with dogs, to be chaired by the retired senior civil servant Lord Burns.

Its terms of reference were: The committee commissioned a range of scientific research, undertook a series of visits to hunting events[2] and held a number of evidence hearings.

[5] The committee's most reported conclusion was that hunting with dogs "seriously compromises" the welfare of the quarry species.

"[7] In a highly controversial subject area, the Burns Inquiry report was welcomed by both hunters[8] and anti-hunting campaigners.

[9] Following the publication of the Burns Inquiry report, the Government introduced an "options bill" which allowed each House of Parliament to choose between a ban, licensed hunting, and self-regulation.

Fox hunting had long been a controversial issue in the UK.
The inquiry found that foxes suffer during hunting.