Twenty years on: why it's time to strengthen the Hunting Act
Chris Luffingham by Downing Street.
The Hunting Act’s 20th anniversary highlights ongoing loopholes that enable illegal fox hunting. The League Against Cruel Sports calls for stricter laws, custodial sentences, and a timeline for change from the government
This week marks the twentieth anniversary of the Hunting Act — a milestone in the fight against animal cruelty and one that the League Against Cruel Sports helped champion. But as we reflect on the progress made, it’s clear the law has never been fit for its intended purpose. Two decades on, we are again calling for stronger action.
The Hunting Act was meant to ban fox hunting, but loopholes have allowed illegal hunting to continue. As Acting Chief Executive of the League, I’ve seen the brazen disregard for the law by hunts across the country. While hunts claim to follow trails, our investigations tell a different story. This so-called "trail hunting" is often a smokescreen for the brutal pursuit and killing of foxes. Our recent figures paint a harrowing picture.
Since last summer, we've logged more than 290 instances of foxes being chased by hunts, 350 reports of suspected illegal hunting, and nearly 900 cases of “hunt havoc.” These incidents span the cub hunting season from August to October and the fox hunting season from November to early February. But these numbers only scratch the surface. Many illegal hunts, particularly in isolated areas, go unreported.
Among the troubling cases we’ve gathered are incidents where hunts have used terriers to flush out foxes, chased animals on roads, trespassed on private property, and even caused accidents. Hounds have attacked pets, worried livestock, and caused danger on railways. These activities are not part of trail hunting and must not be ignored.
For too long, this law has been undermined. We need the government to act — not just with words, but with meaningful change. The Hunting Act is not delivering on its promise.
Campaigners from the League Against Cruel Sports and Time for Change Coalition Against Hunting handing in a petition at 10 Downing Street.
The government has pledged to ban trail hunting, and we welcome that commitment, but more must be done.
That’s why the League Against Cruel Sports, backed by more than 100,000 people who have signed our petition, is calling for its loopholes to be closed, trail hunting to be banned, and maximum custodial sentences for those who persist in breaking the law.
Our reports, compiled using data from our Animal Crimewatch Service and information from the public, reveal the full extent of what’s happening in rural communities across England and Wales.
It’s time for action. Calls for stronger fox hunting laws are growing louder, and for good reason. Public support is clear: a poll by FindOutNow found that more than 75 per cent of the British public want a stronger Hunting Act. Our petition was handed in to Downing Street on February 18 – two decades to the day after the Hunting Act came into force. The government must listen and respond.
Campaigners from the League Against Cruel Sports and Time for Change Coalition Against Hunting outside the gates of Downing Street.
As we mark this anniversary, we must not lose sight of the work still to be done. This blood sport continues to tear apart our countryside. We cannot allow this cruelty to persist. The time for change is now.
The League will continue fighting for stronger protections for foxes and all animals subjected to cruelty for sport. Together, we can ensure the Hunting Act becomes the law it was always meant to be.
Reference
- Polling data is available here: https://www.league.org.uk/news-and-resources/news/new-figures-fox-hunting/
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