Today marked the final Boxing Day hunt, as riders gathered on trails in the UK to partake in the contentious activity following revelations in a recent Labour document proposing the complete outlawing of fox hunting.
Across England this morning, Boxing Day hunts unfolded with numerous riders under the early sunlight, accompanied by their dogs to pursue a pre-laid animal scent. Participants defended the activity as a means to enhance physical and mental well-being without causing harm to animals. Notably, Nigel Farage, a prominent hunting advocate, was observed observing a hunt at Chiddingstone Castle in Kent.
Amidst the hunters, protesters voiced concerns that the practice serves as a cover for illegal actions targeting innocent animals, a sentiment that aligns with the stance of the Labour Party, as articulated in its recent animal welfare strategy release.
Public Plays Role in Policing Illegal and Cruel Fox Hunts as Labour Moves to Close Loopholes
Over the past two decades, fox hunting has been prohibited across all UK nations, with the ban initiated during Tony Blair’s administration to curb what was widely perceived as a cruel practice involving horseback riders and packs of dogs hunting and killing foxes. Despite the general ban, allowances have persisted, permitting hunters to engage in “trail hunting” using artificial scents without foxes.
Although the ban prohibits fox hunting, animal rights advocates argue that trail hunting permissions are exploited to circumvent the 2005 legislation, with Labour branding it a “smokescreen” for brutal activities in their manifesto.
Emma Judd, from the League Against Cruel Sports, emphasized that actual trail laying by hunts is infrequent and can lead to significant harm to local wildlife, including livestock. She highlighted that even if trails are laid, they are often in proximity to areas where wildlife and livestock reside, resulting in unintended casualties.
Supporters of hunting claim that the sport fosters socialization and enjoyment.
Today likely saw the final hunting expeditions for many riders.
Nigel Farage remains a vocal proponent of hunting in the UK.
Hunters have utilized existing permissions to continue pursuing foxes.
Throughout the UK, critics and protesters of fox hunting made their presence felt at various hunting events today.
The proposed measures by Labour aim to eliminate all hunting loopholes.
Critics argue that cruel hunting practices also harm the hounds involved.