RATTING/PITTING

[jacob 28]

If its perfectly legal to hunt rats with dogs in a barn which is enclosed ,when does it become classed as baiting?or illegal ?,is it only if theres betting involved or if you actually pit them ?if you see my point.

[hairyface 211]

thats quite a valid point jacob, as when we go ratting if theres an area that we know theres alot, say underneath a heep of asbestos sheeting, when its possible we'll surround it with old doors preventing escape, so technically speaking in doing so we have created a pit of sorts, so is that illegal or not,good point to make bud

[Guest Ditch_Shitter]

Probably one of the best questions I've faced since " What is a 'Peasant' ", Jacob!

 

I suspect however that the answer to this one might be far more mundane and straight foreward. Don't quote me on this ~ I'm no lawyer ~ but I suspect, even believe the answer lies in the act of removing an animal from it's natural habitat. Placing it in an enclosed enviroment and there setting a Dog or Dogs against it.

 

So, yes; Irish 'Park' Hare Coursing would, north of the border, be classified as " Hare Baiting ".

 

Like I say; Open to correction and educating. But that's my take on it. Perhaps someone with time on their hands could search Google for the british statutes refering to " Baiting " and any relevant ammendments / new laws since then? Bit of fun for somebody and much kudos if they crack it, eh?

 

That or someone uk side give Barry Peachy a ring?

[COMPO 54]

Interesting point, i think it is perfectly legal to try and block escape routes to favour the dogs when control vermin/rats, the 1911 cruelty to animals act was brought about due to the large un-ruly crowds that rat pits and dog fights attracted, not because of any real concern for animals welfare

 

here's the act read it for yourself

http://www.webtribe.net/~shg/Protection%20...1%20c%2027).htm

 

I think there is a definition in law of a wild animal and a trapped and then released animal, the trapped and then released animal would constitute baiting but the one thats never been in captivity (never caught) is still wild and would be purely hunting even when they have no escape route (although they still find them)

 

Also after skim reading the act, it makes the offences directed at the owner of the animals, no one owns wild animals, so again as long as you dont trap and release then they are never captive and not owned

 

read a bit more and found this

 

In this Act, except the context otherwise requires, or it is otherwise expressly provided—

 

 

 

 

(a) the expression “animal†means any domestic or captive animal;

 

 

(near the bottom is a list of definitions) so i was right as long as they are never domestic or captive its not an offence

[Guest baldie]

I would say...preventing its escape, would be a contravention of the law, and be classed as baiting.

[Simoman 110]

I've have to agree with Baldie.........