Hunting - What's Wrong with Hunting?
The League Against Cruel Sports does not accept that hunting is a necessary form of predator or population control.
We believe it is wrong that wild animals are subjected to terror and pain for the sake of 'sport' and 75% of the British public do not wish to see a return to this cruel pastime.
Although the hunting of several species of wild mammal with a pack of hounds has been banned, some hunts simply won't comply with the law. Many claim that they are trail hunting or have 'accidentally' pursued live animals.
Fox Hunting. During a foxhunt a hunted fox will naturally run to the nearest holes familiar to it, however they are likely to be blocked with materials such as sacks of rubble the night before the hunt. The fox is therefore forced to run as far and as fast as it can. However, as the fox is a predator and has not evolved for long, sustained chases, it can't compete with the superior stamina of the slower-running but persistent hounds. If a fox manages to find refuge in an open hole, the huntsman calls for the 'terriermen' to enter their dogs into the hole in an attempt to either drive it out for further hunting, or to keep it under attack until it can be dug out.
Hunting enthusiasts claim that the first hound to reach the fox gives it a 'nip to the back of the neck' to kill it instantly. However, dogs which hunt in packs tend to bring down their prey by a series of bites and tears to the quarry's sides and hind quarters. This claim of a humane, quick death also ignores the suffering brought about by the deliberately prolonged chase.
When the fox is dead, most hunts cut off the tail ('brush'), the feet ('pads') and the head ('mask') as trophies. The carcass is then thrown to the hounds. Some hunts also indulge in the practice of 'blooding' - the smearing of fresh fox blood on the faces of those, usually children, who have witnessed their first kill.
Fox hunting also takes place below ground, and is called 'terrier work' or 'fox baiting'. Most hunts have terriermen who send small dogs down holes in pursuit of foxes which seek refuge underground from the hunt. The terrified foxes often end up in a battle with the terriers, while the terriermen listen to the animals' growls and dig the foxes out. Once dragged above ground, foxes may be shot, clubbed to death by the terriermens' shovels, or thrown to the hunts' hounds.
Before the start of the official hunting season in November, 'cub hunting', in which fox cubs are flushed out and ripped to pieces, takes place to train the hounds.
Other Types of Hunting
Deer Hunting. This takes place in the South West of England. The hunters pursue the deer using a pack of hounds, with the chase lasting anything up to 30 miles. Within an hour, the deer is suffering fatigue, but fear drives it on and it may run and collapse many times before total exhaustion slows it down and the hounds can catch up and attack. The deer is finally shot, perhaps several times, before it is dead.
Hare Hunting and Coursing. Hares are also hunted with packs of hounds which are followed on foot, as hares are reluctant to leave their territory so the chase takes place in a large circle. The chase can last to around 90 minutes before the hare is finally killed by the hounds. The aim of hare coursing is for two dogs (usually greyhounds or lurchers) to compete against each other in pursuit of a live hare, and provide 'entertainment', to be gambled on or, in some cases, food.
Mink Hunting. During a mink hunt, the dogs are followed on foot as they walk or swim along riverbanks while the mink frantically attempts to escape. Once scented, the mink is chased before being caught or escaping underground or up a tree. If caught, the mink may have to fight with a dog or be dismembered by the pack. Mink below ground might be dug out or bolted by a terrier. They may also be shot, left injured, or pulled out and released to prolong the 'sport' of the hunt.
For more information on the Hunting Act 2004, please visit the Office of Public Sector Information website.