INTRODUCTION

The full members of the CHA represent the Governing bodies of each of the legal methods of hunting with dogs that are members of ISAH. The full members may vote in affiliated members of like-minded interests.

The CHA aims to assist its Member Organisations in the local promotion of their hunting interests, particularly in the fields of conservation, biodiversity and the proper management of wildlife (including pest control) and wildlife habitat, in association with the interests of other members, other country sports and farmers.

The CHA acts as the ‘specialist adviser’ to the CA in respect of the conduct of hunting.

The day-to-day responsibility for running the affairs of the CHA lies with its Chairman.

The mission of the CHA is to further the combined interests of all those who hunt with dogs within the law. It requires that the practices of its members are conducted to the highest standards. Because the CHA represents the interests of all hunting disciplines it will ensure a consistent approach to the implementation of best practice.

The roles of the CA and the CHA will draw upon the specialist skills contained within both organisations.

• Ensure that each Member Organisation takes joint responsibility to promote and protect the future of its sport/activity so as to provide expert material to political, PR, legal, educational and research teams.
• Require cooperation and speedy action from each Member Organisation in support of CA led initiatives.
• Co-ordinate the rules and codes of conduct of each of the hunting organisations.
• Promote best practice in all hunting activities via the relevant governing body.
• Ensure that each hunting organisation has effective disciplinary procedures.
• Ensure the policies of the ISAH Protocol are fulfilled.
• Ensure member organisations know the appropriate action to take in dealing with the media, principally through the use of the approved Advice Cards and in conjunction with the relevant CA department or individual.
• Promote conservation and bio-diversity measures in line with the ISAH protocol.
• Aid and encourage the development of good relationships within local communities, principally through the Hunting and the Community programme.
• Liaise with Police Forces to encourage consistency in the understanding and implementation of the law.
• Monitor saboteur activity.
• Provide input, communication and implementation of ‘action pack’ initiatives.

• Monitor all relevant existing or proposed legislation.
• Provide and implementing policies for responding to such legislation.
• Provide and implement political lobbying.
• Provide the presentation of briefs, speaking notes and evidence in consultation with the CHA.

• Monitor and respond to the media in consultation with CHA Members when appropriate.
• Lead the public challenge to misconceptions about hunting
• Instigate media initiatives that promote hunting.
• In conjunction with the CHA, articulate the case for hunting at a national level and enable that process at a regional level
• Measure changes in public opinion.

• Prepare educational materials to provide information on hunting and its contribution to rural life.
• Co-ordinate the commissioning of, and presentation of, research work in conjunction with the CHA.
• Support and liase with organisations with complementary objectives.
• Organise of public demonstrations.
• Undertake Fundraising.

The CHA is self-financed through an annual subscription and contributions from its members. Apart from these contributions it is not intended that the CHA will promote fund raising activities on its own behalf. It will however ensure support for CA fundraising and membership.

The secretary is responsible for the convening of meetings. Whilst hunting remains under threat the CHA will normally meet on the first Tuesday of each month. The Chairman and/or the Director/Secretary of each Member Organisation is expected to attend but each Member organisation may nominate a suitable substitute through the secretary of the CHA. The Chief Executive of the CA will be responsible for nominating attendees from the CA and the Action Office.

Agreed CHA Committee meeting 2^nd March 2004