During the recent fox cub hunting season, there were disturbing reports of illegal fox hunting activities taking place across England and Wales. According to anti-fox hunting activists, nine pets lost their lives, and 22 road traffic accidents were recorded as a result of hunts and hounds causing chaos in rural communities.
In addition to the tragic deaths of pets, there were also reports of at least 106 foxes being chased, hundreds of cases of “hunt havoc,” and numerous instances of threatening behavior and livestock worrying. The League Against Cruel Sports compiled data showing 127 suspected cases of illegal fox cub hunting, 315 incidents of hunts disrupting rural communities, and 69 instances of illegal hunting evidence.
Despite the hunting ban implemented in 2005, the scale of illegal fox-cub hunting remains shocking. The figures presented by the League Against Cruel Sports may be just the tip of the iceberg, as many hunt meets go unmonitored. The increased monitoring and public awareness have shed light on the severity of the issue, leading to calls for stronger legislation and enforcement.
A group of 18 MPs penned an open letter to the environment secretary, urging for legal loopholes to be addressed and a clear timetable for action to be set. Cub-hunting, where hounds are trained to kill fox cubs, poses a significant threat to wildlife and needs to be eradicated. The MPs highlighted the need for immediate action to prevent further harm to foxes and other wildlife.
The British Hound Sports Association, the governing body for hunts, has not provided a response to these concerning reports. The government’s commitment to improving animal welfare and ending illegal hunting practices is crucial in protecting wildlife and rural communities from the detrimental effects of fox cub hunting. As we approach the 20th anniversary of the Hunting Act, it is essential that steps are taken to strengthen the law and put an end to these inhumane practices once and for all.
