The Protection of Wild Mammals (Scotland) Act 2002 came into force in February 2003, meaning the Berwickshire, along with all the other hunts in Scotland had to adapt their style of hunting. Foxhunting in Scotland for sport was no longer, instead the activities that took place were for pest control purposes only.
The Berwickshire Hunt adapted to the new law, while attempting to maintain as many traditions as possible. Meets were still held before hunting in the main season, and relationships with farmers were sustained. The foxhounds were still an important tool for the countryside to continue managing the fox population throughout the autumn and winter season, to protect game birds and livestock.
This began to change in early 2022, when legislation was first brought to the Scottish Parliament which seeked to further restrict the activities of hunts in Scotland. As it became clearer the Act would come into force, the Berwickshire Hunt proactively began to train the hounds to follow an artificial scent, while maintaining the pest control service provided to farmers and gamekeepers.
The Hunting with Dogs (Scotland) Act 2023 came into force in October 2023, replacing the previous act. The Berwickshire Hunt closed the fox control service, and transitioned fully to drag hunting. Also at this time, the Berwickshire Hunt began trading as the Berwickshire Hounds, to cement ourselves as a drag hunting only pack.
