Fox hunting has for centuries been part of the British culture, originating in the UK in the 16th century. It was banned in the UK in 2004. At that time the issue was passionately debated, and become as much about the class system as it did cruelty to foxes. Fox hunting still remains a hugely controversial issue and one that divides the nation. Those in favor of fox hunting see it as a part of rural culture and necessary for pest control. Opponents regard it simply as cruel and unnecessary.

The fox hasn't always had the best PR. In mythology and folk-lore, it's often represented as a creature that's evil, or at least bad. Children grow up believing that foxes are naughty (Pinocchio was conned by a pair of foxes). However, that perception is now changing thanks to nature programs on the TV, and, perhaps, information about the true nature of the fox that was published at the time the fox hunting ban debate was in full flow.

The argument that fox hunting controls the pest problem doesn't seem to carry much weight where the countryside is concerned, as it's claimed the average urban dweller has more cause to want to be rid of the fox than the country folks do. The most common complaint against foxes is that they dig and foul in urban areas. They tear open garbage sacks left in front yards and leave debris strewn all over the place. But then so do some cats, and imagine the uproar if they were hunted as part of "pest control!"

But hunting doesn't control fox populations. Hunts kill, or did kill, only about three percent of the fox population. Furthermore, where foxes are persecuted by humans, more cubs are produced to restore their population levels. Studies in Europe have shown that the fox population can endure losses of up to 70 percent and still fully recover in the following year.

It's difficult to see fox hunting as a sport, as there's very little that's "sporting" about it. Foxhounds don't kill foxes instantly but grind down their prey with a series of bites and tears. Foxhounds are also bred to run slower than a fox in order to sustain a good chase. The fox will outrun the hound initially but it will eventually become exhausted and then be caught by the hound, or dive for cover in a hole in the earth where it will be dealt with by terrier men and their terriers: the fox will be forced to fight with the terriers until it's killed, or captured and, if it's lucky, shot.

The fact that the hounds are bred for stamina and not speed is to make the chase last for as long as possible. After all, if you've gone to the trouble to get yourself kitted out in a lovely red jacket and shiny black hat, you will want to show it all off for as long as you possibly can.

Fox hunting has no place in a civilized society, just as cock-fighting, bear-baiting, and dog-fighting have no place either. It's just a great day out for the upper classes; similar to when the working classes jump on a coach and head for the seaside. Only they don't spend their time chasing a defenseless creature around with a bunch of dogs that are hell bent on ripping the thing apart.

Source: nwlacs.co.uk/foxhunting

Learn more about this author, Jane Dee.
Click here to send author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about The case against fox hunting traditions in the UK?
We want to hear your view. Write now!