Victory for Foxes! Government Scraps Plans for Vote on Hunting Ban Repeal
Foxes and their allies can breathe a sigh of relief: the government is no longer planning a vote on repealing the hunting ban. Environment minister Thérèse Coffey confirmed the policy U-turn earlier this week, stating that no vote would be held “this session”.
The Hunting Act, which came into effect in 2005, outlawed the hunting of foxes and other wild mammals with dogs. Even though polls have shown that 84 per cent of the British public want fox hunting to remain illegal, Prime Minister Theresa May came out in favour of repealing the act during this year’s general election campaign and pledged to give MPs a free vote on the issue.
Animal lovers across the country were horrified by May’s announcement, and a huge rally on 29 May saw thousands take to the streets of London to demand that the ban stay. Some have even speculated that the overwhelming opposition to fox hunting was a major contributor to the Conservative Party’s loss of its majority in the election.
It’s easy to see why fox hunting is so unpopular – no compassionate person could support a “sport” in which a terrified animal is chased down and savagely torn apart for onlookers’ amusement. Such barbaric practices should stay consigned to the history books – they have no place in a modern society that respects animals’ lives.
What Can You Do
Hunting isn’t the only way in which animals are abused for entertainment. Animals in circuses also suffer tremendously when they’re confined to barren cages, carted up and down the country, and forced to perform confusing tricks out of fear of punishment. Please see our circus action page to find out how you can help them:
