Despite the fact that politicians voted to ban fox hunting in England and Wales in 2004, there is evidence to suggest this cruel 'sport' is still going on in a covert manner. As a result, animal welfare charities have stepped up their campaigns to quash an attempt to overturn the ban by persuading people to stand up, support their cause and protect vulnerable animals.
The hunting season is now in full swing and the League Against Cruel Sports is campaigning more vigorously than ever to encourage the public to continue supporting the fox hunting ban and urge hunters to stop fox hunting for good. The ban, which was brought in by the government in 2004, was largely backed by members of the public; opinion polls at the time consistently showed a sway in favour of putting a stop to this irresponsible activity.
Despite the enforcement of the Hunting Act in February 2005, animal charities have discovered that some hardcore hunters are continuing to revel in the pursuit of foxes; further research has also established that a small group of hunting enthusiasts is working to encourage the coalition government to reconsider the law, take a new vote on fox hunting and ultimately repeal the ban.
News of the irresponsible flouting of the Hunting Act has angered many people who campaigned for decades to bring hunting to an end and save foxes. The nature of the sport contravenes the rights of the animal and exploits their weaknesses to stack the odds firmly in favour of the hunters.
Why people should back the ban
Fox hunting used to be a subject discussed around most kitchen tables but since the ban was introduced the media spotlight has dimmed and some campaigners feel as though hunters who consistently break the law by continuing to pursue foxes are getting away with it. Organisations are eager to go back to basics and remind people why hunting was banned and consider the implications of such a pursuit.
Fox hunting was banned because it was perceived by most people to be a cruel 'sport', which caused animals to suffer horrible deaths for the entertainment of humans. The format of the hunt always favoured the hounds, rather than the fox; often the hunt course was modified to make the chase easier for the hounds, with holes that could have provided respite for a fox, filled in to make the foxes run for longer. Foxes are designed for speed, not stamina and an animal forced to run for miles was often very easy prey for a pack of hounds.
The celebration of the kill was also regarded by many as unnecessary and indecent; images of carcasses of foxes paraded around, parts of the body kept as souvenirs and widespread joviality in the wake of the fox’s death sickened many.
What can I do?
Hunters have strengthened their voice in favour of a repeal of the hunting ban and it is important that people who feel strongly about keeping hunting an illegal activity speak up and back the cause. Now, more than ever, it's essential for animal lovers to support organisations and charities that campaign for animal rights, to ensure that the appeal against the ban is silenced and foxes remain protected.
Charities are looking for people to lend their support by contacting their local MP to back the ban and act against individuals who are breaking the law by reporting them to the police.
Hunting is a contentious issue, which often rouses passion and anger. If you feel strongly against fox hunting, why not join with animal rights groups to raise awareness of the cruelty of hunting and encourage others to support the Hunting Act and save foxes this season?