The Fox Forum

A new bill has recently been introduced in the UK Parliament aiming to ban the import and sale of animal fur from various species, including foxes. This proposed legislation seeks to extend existing prohibitions on the trade of fur from certain animals to a broader range of species, reflecting growing public and political support for ethical and sustainable practices in fashion. Timeline of Fur Farming and Related Legislation in the UK and EU about 1920: Introduction of fox farming in the UK. 1929: Introduction of mink farming in the UK. 1989: The Farm Animal Welfare Council criticized the conditions under which mink and foxes were farmed, highlighting significant welfare concerns. 2003: The Fur Farming (Prohibition) Act came into force, banning mink and fox farming across the UK. 11 December 2007: The European Union banned the import and export of cat and dog fur under Regulation (EC) No. 1523/2007 of the European Parliament and the Council. 16 September 2009: The European Union prohibited the import of all seal products through Regulation (EU) No. 1007/2009. 16 October 2024: A new bill was introduced in the UK Parliament to ban the import and sale of fur from various animals, including foxes, raccoon dogs, mink, chinchillas, and coyotes. 13 June 2025: The second reading of the proposed bill is scheduled in Parliament. Current legislation on the fur trade Currently, fur imports are regulated, and the import of fur from 13 specific species is prohibited unless the animals were trapped using methods that comply with internationally recognized humane trapping standards. These rules do not apply to the animals born and bred in captivity. The 13 species: • Badger  Taxidea taxus • Beaver   Castor canadensis • Bobcat   Felis rufus or Lynx rufus • Coyote  Canis latrans • Ermine  Mustela erminea • Fisher    Martes pennanti • Lynx       Lynx canadensis • Marten  Martes americana • Musk rat        Ondatra zibethecus • Raccoon        Procyon lotor • Otter     Lutra canadensis or Lontra canadensis • Sable     Martes zibellina • Wolf      Canis lupus In the UK and EU, animals kept for fur production, as well as those trapped and slaughtered, must be treated humanely. Foxes, like mink, ferrets, and chinchillas, are subject to special welfare recommendations. The export and import of fox species within the EU require appropriate permits and documentation to verify legality, thus reducing the risk of unethical sourcing. Following Brexit, the UK retains its own wildlife trade regulations, which largely align with EU laws but are now managed separately under the UK’s version of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). The red fox (Vulpes vulpes) is listed in Appendix III of CITES, meaning its trade is regulated by national laws but requires international cooperation to prevent unsustainable or illegal exploitation. The trade of foxes is permitted only upon presentation of the appropriate permits or certificates. What about welfare? But our issue is not only about the regulations but also about welfare and well-being of species as foxes. It is essential to consider both the legal protections (such as CITES and national regulations) and the ethical concerns related to how animals are treated in various industries. The bill introduced by Labour MP Ruth Jones aims to ban the importation of fur in UK. This proposal has been applauded by many organisations that are opposed to the fur trade and denounce the living conditions of species on fur farms. The Humane Society International (United Kingdom) declared “If passed into law, the ban would end the UK’s complicity in the cruelty of the global fur trade”. The association describes the fur trade as millions of animals suffering "The pain and distress inflicted on animals on fur farms is acute: animals including foxes and mink are kept their entire lives in small, barren cages, unable to exhibit normal patterns of behaviour, before being killed by gassing or anal electrocution". Four paws expresses that the association “is fundamentally opposed to the killing of animals for their fur. The breeding of fur animals as well as trapping them in the wild to produce fashion or luxury items is cruel, unethical and unnecessary”. Consequences This bill could also have consequences for other people that work with fur but not in fashion. Some industries might not be directly involved in fashion but still rely on fur as a material. These industries could include those that use fur for non-fashion-related products, such as fur used in art or scientific research. Since this could impact the work of taxidermist, I contacted Second Life Taxidermy about the bill introduction. She is a taxidermist that promotes ethical taxidermy. Second Life Taxidermy opinion I asked her what impact this change in legislation might have on her work: “Truthfully, I'm not certain how this will affect us as taxidermists, moving forward.  It truly depends on how extreme the measures are taken. The article [about the Humane society international article] itself is pushing the belief that all fur is murder when this is simply not the case.” She adds: “If the bill were strictly in relation to fur farms and the clothing industry and not fur use as a whole, we would not be affected, as things currently stand, fur farms have been phasing out for a number of years and are progressively losing their businesses and closing down. […] It is important to note that not all fur is sourced from animals who are killed for fur, many are memorials for pet owners, many are intended for education use and teaching, many are of natural passing, and many are byproducts of ethical farming and pest control which has nothing to do with fashion, and little to do with fur farming.” I also enquired at Second Life Taxidermy whether it will become challenging to obtain furs in the future, she responded that it is important to know that most taxidermists rely on local stocks. She adds “that is not to say that I don't work on imported animals, but it is neither profitable, nor would I support what I consider to be cruelty or unethical production, importation following Brexit has become very difficult, to the point that it has deterred most”. Moreover, the fur uses by taxidermist does require a more complicated preparation than the one used in fashion and cannot be achieved on a factory scale as fashion. Second Life Taxidermy hopes that taxidermists and crafters will not be categorised and punished alongside the fashion trade. Second Life Taxidermy explains “The majority of us are animal lovers who just wish to create and preserve beauty after death” and “I feel that banning fur use as a whole is extreme and unfair to those who do mean well and respect a good ethical standard of practice”. She concludes by saying that she hopes the bill will be balanced: “animals should be protected from unfair treatment, and taxidermists should be able to continue their already heavily regulated craft”. The proposed bill to ban the importation and sale of fur in the UK represents a significant step toward animal welfare and ethical trade practices. While it has strong support from animal rights groups, it could impact industries like taxidermy that rely on fur for non-fashion purposes. The debate underscores the need for laws that consider both animal welfare and affected industries. In my next article, next week, we will look at the history of man's use of foxes for their fur. Sources: Fur farming (prohibition) act: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2000/33/introduction(https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2000/33/introduction) Regulation (EC) No 1523/2007 of the European Parliament and of the Council: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32007R1523(https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32007R1523) Regulation (EU) n° 1007/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=legissum:cx0001(https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=legissum:cx0001) Guidance - Importing animal furs and skins - export of fish: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/importing-animal-furs-skins-and-fish(https://www.gov.uk/guidance/importing-animal-furs-skins-and-fish) Red fox information species+: https://www.speciesplus.net/species#/taxon_concepts/5115/legal(https://www.speciesplus.net/species#/taxon_concepts/5115/legal) Introduction of the Bill on Fur Import and Sale in UK: https://bills.parliament.uk/bills/3789(https://bills.parliament.uk/bills/3789) Explanation of the bill: https://www.labouranimalwelfaresociety.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Labour-Animal-Welfare-Society-Briefing-Fur-Import-and-Sale-Bill-1.pdf(https://www.labouranimalwelfaresociety.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Labour-Animal-Welfare-Society-Briefing-Fur-Import-and-Sale-Bill-1.pdf) Second life taxidermy website: https://www.secondlifetaxidermy.co.uk/?fbclid=IwY2xjawHKPrBleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHbpRUnSoUKmlk5zGifteRRohAxAxmx2CPQl91lR2reRSyo487aR5RIYTqg_aem_8Ei9gCeSxoss0Fuuszf4Mw(https://www.secondlifetaxidermy.co.uk/?fbclid=IwY2xjawHKPrBleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHbpRUnSoUKmlk5zGifteRRohAxAxmx2CPQl91lR2reRSyo487aR5RIYTqg_aem_8Ei9gCeSxoss0Fuuszf4Mw) CAFT website: https://www.caft.org.uk/(https://www.caft.org.uk/) Humane society international: https://www.hsi.org/news-resources/bill-to-ban-uk-fur-imports-and-sales-to-be-introduced-to-parliament/(https://www.hsi.org/news-resources/bill-to-ban-uk-fur-imports-and-sales-to-be-introduced-to-parliament/) Four paws : https://www.four-paws.org.uk/campaigns-topics/campaigns/fur(https://www.four-paws.org.uk/campaigns-topics/campaigns/fur)

The red fox (Vulpes vulpes) is a ubiquitous presence across the UK, adapting seamlessly to rural and urban environments. Yet, despite its prominence and potential as a carrier of zoonotic diseases, little was previously known about its population genetics. A recent study changes that, offering fascinating insights into the genetic diversity, population structure, and historical movement of foxes within Britain. Genetic Diversity and Limited Population Structure The study analysed 501 red fox samples from England, southern Scotland, and northern France using 14 microsatellite markers. It revealed high genetic diversity among British fox populations and limited genetic differentiation across the regions sampled. This finding underscores the fox’s adaptability and capacity for long-distance dispersal, which helps maintain genetic diversity even in fragmented habitats. Interestingly, the study identified four genetic clusters within the sampled populations. One of these clusters connects southern England and northern France, likely reflecting historical translocations of French foxes into England during the 19th century. These translocations, largely for sport hunting, may have left a lasting genetic signature. Urban vs Rural Foxes Urban fox populations in Leicester and London showed some degree of genetic differentiation from their rural counterparts, though they did not display signs of reduced genetic diversity or founder effects. This contrasts with urban fox populations in Zurich, where dramatic increases in density following the cessation of culling programmes led to noticeable founder effects. Aligning with the BCHS Stance The findings of this study strongly support the stance of the British Canid Historical Society (BCHS), which has long highlighted the role of historical fox translocations in shaping the UK’s modern fox populations. The BCHS has argued that fox populations in Britain are not entirely indigenous but have been influenced by repeated introductions of foxes from Europe and North America throughout history. The study confirms this view, particularly through evidence of genetic mixing between British foxes and French populations. The clustering of foxes from southern England with those from Calais aligns with reports of large-scale translocations during the 19th century, likely for sport hunting. This supports the BCHS position that imported foxes may have bolstered depleted local populations or been used to increase prey availability for hunting. Implications for Conservation The study’s findings have important implications for understanding how foxes move and interact within Britain. The limited population structure and evidence of gene flow between urban and rural foxes suggest there are few barriers to the spread of genetic material—or potentially, diseases. For conservationists and public health officials, this highlights the need to monitor fox populations as both ecological indicators and vectors of zoonotic diseases. A Glimpse into History Perhaps most intriguingly, the genetic ties between British and French foxes hint at a legacy of human intervention. The movement of foxes across the Channel, likely linked to hunting practices, underscores how human activities can shape wildlife populations in ways that persist over centuries. This study marks a significant step in understanding the genetic landscape of Britain’s red foxes. It reveals not just the resilience and adaptability of this iconic species but also the lasting impact of historical events on their genetic makeup. Sources: • Population genetic structure of the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) in the UK • The British Canid Historical Society

For thousands of years, humans have kept animals as companions. From domesticated dogs in ancient societies to the cats and rabbits we see in homes today, this practice has shaped the relationship between people and wildlife. But could keeping wild animals as pets be the key to saving some species from extinction? While the idea might sound promising, the reality is far more complex. A Controversial Debate An Australian study recently reignited this debate, exploring whether keeping native species as pets could help prevent their disappearance. The study noted that while domestication might safeguard species from complete extinction, it often comes at the cost of their ability to survive independently in the wild. The idea is enticing but fraught with complications. Foxes, in particular, offer fascinating insights—highlighting both the potential and pitfalls of domestication. How Fur Farming Prevented a Fox’s Extinction One of the clearest examples of how keeping animals in captivity can help conservation is the story of the silver fox. Historically, foxes were extensively hunted for their fur, driving some populations to the brink of extinction. For the North American red fox (NARF), overhunting caused wild populations to dwindle, with fewer than 20 breeding pairs for some subspecies left today. Remarkably, it was fur farming—originally established for profit, not conservation—that prevented the overhunting contributing to their decline and preserves their genetics, should we lose these remaining animals. When the critical status of the NARF was finally recognized, captive populations bred for fur provided a lifeline. However, this “accidental conservation” underscores a critical paradox: animals bred for captivity, whether for profit, research or as pets, may inadvertently save a species while simultaneously altering it. Urban Foxes in the UK: A Hidden Dependence In Britain, the dynamic between rural and urban fox populations highlights another dimension of the domestication debate. While rural fox numbers appear to be declining, urban fox populations are thriving, heavily supported by humans who feed them in gardens or leave scraps out for them to find. This reliance on human-provided food creates a precarious balance. If fox feeding were to stop suddenly, urban populations might struggle, potentially leading to a population collapse. Furthermore, the differences between urban and rural foxes—shaped by diet, behaviour, and habitat—raise concerns about reducing genetic diversity. Could urban populations dilute the survival traits needed for wild foxes to thrive in rural settings? The Risks of Domestication While keeping wild animals as pets or supporting them in urban environments may seem beneficial, the risks often outweigh the rewards. Domesticated animals inevitably change over generations. The famous Russian silver fox experiment demonstrated this clearly: foxes selectively bred for tameness developed traits such as less fearful and more docile behaviour—traits that make them less suited to survival in the wild. Foxes bred in captivity may lack critical survival skills, ancestral knowledge, wariness of predators, or even the ability to fend for themselves. When these domesticated animals interbreed with wild populations, the genetic pool can be altered in ways that hinder rewilding or adaptation to natural environments. Similarly, urban foxes in Britain demonstrate how dependence on humans can shape survival behaviours, raising broader concerns about domestication’s long-term impact on resilience. Lessons from Other Species Globally, there are examples of how domestication has fallen short as a conservation tool. In the United States, more tigers live in captivity than in the wild, but these 'pet' tigers rarely contribute to the recovery of wild populations. Bred purely for entertainment and education, without survival skills, they lack the instincts and genetic diversity needed to thrive in their natural environment. The Mexican red-knee tarantula however, was saved from the brink of extinction through captive breeding, driven by its popularity in the pet trade, which reduced the need for wild collection. The trade of these tarantulas, much like with the foxes, both contributed to their declines and helped preserve the species by preventing further loss in the wild. A Double-Edged Sword There is no denying that keeping animals in captivity can prevent extinction in dire circumstances. As seen with the North American red fox and the Mexican Red Knee Tarantula, captive populations can act as a buffer and genetic reservoir when wild populations are critically endangered. But domestication alone cannot address the root causes of population decline, such as habitat loss, climate change, and competition with invasive species. Moreover, animals bred for tameness or aesthetics often lose the characteristics needed to survive and reproduce in the wild. Summary For foxes in the UK and beyond, a balanced approach is needed. Captive breeding programs should prioritize genetic diversity and survival traits over tameness or aesthetics. Efforts must also focus on protecting habitats and addressing human-wildlife conflict to ensure rural fox populations do not continue to decline. Urban foxes present an additional challenge: while they currently thrive with human support, their long-term sustainability depends on maintaining a degree of independence. Public education on responsible wildlife interactions could help mitigate potential collapses in urban populations. Saving species from extinction requires a comprehensive, science-driven approach that tackles the root causes of biodiversity loss. For foxes, this means embracing strategies that protect their habitats, respect their wild nature, and foster coexistence between humans and wildlife. Sources: • Could keeping native species as pets save them from extinction? Here's why it's not that simple • Did Fur Farms Help Prevent the Decimation of Montane Foxes? • Urban red foxes are diverging from their country cousins • Self Domestication in Urban Foxes • There are five times more urban foxes in England than we thought • How the UK’s 2004 Ban on Fox Hunting Led to a ‘Catastrophic Decline’ in the Fox Population • Genetic rescue for rare red foxes? Research uncovers options to restore Lassen red fox population • Researchers examine potential population decline in the gray fox • Conservation without data: Mexican red knee tarantula (Brachypelma smithi) conservation efforts • From The Famous Fox: An Interview With ‘Vlad’ The Russian Domesticated Fox