For a long time, I’ve refrained from entering the hunting debate because of my role with Black Foxes UK. When we first began, there was little public knowledge about these rare foxes, and we faced significant backlash simply for encouraging people to report sightings. However, over the years, farmers, hunts, and pest control professionals began recognising these foxes as likely missing pets, contributing to the growing understanding of their importance.
Through a decade of research, we gathered concrete evidence from within hunting communities - particularly in the form of taxidermy, where unusual-coloured foxes featured in hunt group displays - that they had more knowledge of these unusual foxes than the rest of the UK. These discoveries helped prove the theories we had long suspected. It’s encouraging to see the public now more aware and engaged, but there’s still much work to do. These unique animals, like all wildlife, deserve proper protection.
The Hunting Ban
In the UK, foxes have long been at the centre of a heated debate. Despite the introduction of the Hunting Act in 2004, which aimed to ban fox hunting, the reality is that foxes remain vulnerable to exploitation and cruelty due to legal loopholes. Many traditional hunts continue under the guise of “trail hunting,” allowing the barbaric practice to persist in the countryside. This is why the petition for a proper ban on hunting, led by Protect the Wild, is so vital for the future of foxes and wildlife conservation across the UK.
The Loopholes in the Hunting Ban
When the Hunting Act was passed, it was intended to stop the pursuit and killing of wild animals, including foxes, by packs of dogs. However, since then, many hunts have used “trail hunting” as a pretext to carry on. In trail hunting, hounds follow a pre-laid scent trail, supposedly unrelated to live animals. In practice, this is often a convenient cover for continuing traditional fox hunts.
The result? Foxes are still being chased, killed, and subjected to unnecessary suffering. As fox lovers, we must ask ourselves: How can we allow this to happen when these animals deserve to live free from harm?
Why This Petition Matters
The petition launched by Protect the Wild calls for a stronger, more enforceable hunting ban, one that closes these loopholes and ensures that no fox or other wild animal suffers under the pretext of sport. Here’s why it’s crucial:
End the cruelty: Fox hunting is not only outdated but inhumane. The stress, terror, and pain that foxes endure when hunted by packs of dogs is extreme. A proper ban would ensure that they are no longer subjected to this cruelty.
Enforceable protections: Loopholes like trail hunting need to be closed. Currently, weak enforcement and vague legislation mean hunts can claim "accidents" when foxes are killed, but a stronger law would hold those responsible accountable.
A step toward wildlife conservation: Foxes play an important role in the UK’s ecosystem. By protecting them, we support the balance of our natural world. A ban on hunting would demonstrate a serious commitment to the future of wildlife conservation.
Public opinion demands it: The majority of the British public is opposed to fox hunting. It’s time the law truly reflected that sentiment, ensuring our wildlife is protected for generations to come.
How You Can Help
If you’re passionate about foxes and believe in their right to live free from harm, now is the time to act. By signing this petition, you’re taking a stand for:
A comprehensive and enforceable ban on fox hunting.
The protection of our native wildlife from unnecessary suffering.
A brighter future for foxes and other animals that are often the target of hunting.
We need to show our collective strength as animal lovers and advocates for humane treatment of wildlife. Every signature brings us one step closer to a proper ban that will finally stop the cruel practice of fox hunting.
Protecting Foxes Starts With You
Foxes are intelligent, adaptable, and vital members of the UK’s wildlife. They deserve to live free from persecution. By supporting this petition for a proper hunting ban, you’re sending a message that cruelty has no place in our countryside. You’re standing up for the foxes who cannot speak for themselves.
Together, we can make a difference.
Sign the petition today and share it with your friends, family, and fellow fox lovers. Let’s give foxes the protection they deserve and ensure the Hunting Act does what it was originally intended to do—ban fox hunting for good.
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I will add, MOD staff report melanistic foxes frequently.
