The traditional Boxing Day hunt occurred this morning in the UK, where riders gathered to partake in the contentious activity shortly after a Labour report unveiled the government’s intention to outlaw fox hunting entirely. Across England, Boxing Day hunts were underway, with numerous riders and their dogs tracing a pre-set animal trail under the early morning sun. Supporters of hunting argue that the activity promotes both 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.
However, amidst the hunters, protesters voiced concerns that hunting is a cover for illegal activities targeting innocent animals, a sentiment echoed by the Labour Party in its recently published animal welfare strategy. Despite the ban on fox hunting in all four home nations for the past two decades, permissions for “trail hunting” using a scent without foxes have allowed hunters to continue the practice. Animal rights groups contend that trail hunting permissions are being exploited to bypass the 2005 law, with Labour branding it a “smokescreen” for brutal killings.
Emma Judd from the League Against Cruel Sports highlighted that hunts rarely use actual trails, posing a threat to local wildlife and livestock. She emphasized that even when trails are laid, they are often placed near areas with wildlife and livestock, leading to unintended animal casualties. While hunters argue that hunting is a social and enjoyable pursuit, critics and protesters against fox hunting made their presence felt at various hunting events across the UK. Labour’s proposed measures aim to close all existing loopholes related to hunting practices, with concerns also raised about the welfare of the hounds involved in these activities.