2019 Annual Report

I am delighted to introduce our 2019 Annual Report and Accounts. It was a year that recorded a great many successes as we work towards our aims of ending hunting, shooting, and animal fighting, whilst winning the hearts and minds of a broader audience. We were able to make significant headway on all four, with a hard won and land mark pledge on the Conservative Party Election Manifesto not to repeal the Hunting Act 2004, shooting bans on a number of high profile estates, an expose on dog-fighting that made it onto the BBC News as just some examples of our work last year.

We also brought together some of the most powerful names in the Animal Welfare Sector to call on the government to increase sentences for the worst animal crime, from the current six months to five years. Although this legislative change was scuppered twice through Brexit business, and is now delayed further in 2020 due to COVID-19, we are confident that it will be made law and will show just what can be achieved when animal charities work together for the common good.

2019 as also about reaching out to new and differing audiences, seeking to change minds and influence outcomes. We did this on the ground, during the General Election and through the extensive press and marketing coverage we achieved, our credibility and influence increasing at every turn. Our supporter base continues to grow fast, with record numbers partnering with us - even during the current COVID-19 crisis. It is in this spirit that I commend this document to you, delivered by a cracking team of devoted professionals for a charity recently rated the 12^th best to work for in the UK, but one that is only able to function with the help of our incredible members and supporters. It is your unshakeable determination to consign animal cruelty in the name of ‘sport’ to the history books; that drives us forward. Please enjoy reading our 2019 Annual Report & Accounts and know that its momentum is carried through into 2020.

- Andy Knott MBE, CEO

Download the League's 2019 Annual Report and Accounts

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Working for the League

Want to work for a compassionate and courageous animal charity? Find our current job vacancies on this page.
Fox Hunting

Fox hunting is a traditional ‘sport’ in which hunters follow a pack of hunting dogs aiming to pick up the scent of a fox, chase it and kill it. Fox hunting is illegal in England, Scotland & Wales.
Hunting on National Trust Land

Many people have been shocked to learn that illegal hunting is taking place on National Trust land.
Foxes

Foxes use 28 different vocal calls to communicate, and often form a pair that lasts for life. Foxes wag their tails to greet family members - just like dogs. More fox facts here!
Why The League

Hurting and killing animals for ‘sport’ is one of the principal causes of animal cruelty in the UK: tens of millions suffer and die each year for ‘leisure’ activities. We’re here to protect those animals.
Bullfighting

Bullfighting is a traditional bloodsport that is thought to have existed in Spain since the Roman times. The League is calling for a complete ban of bullfighting – a cruel ‘sport’. Read more about bullfighting as a spectator ‘sport’.
Stand up for animals Join the League

Help stop animal cruelty in the name of sport.
JOIN
Strengthen the Hunting Act

The Hunting Act 2004 is the law which bans chasing wild mammals with dogs in England and Wales – this basically means that fox hunting, deer hunting, hare hunting, hare coursing and mink hunting are all illegal, as they all are cruel sports based on dogs chasing wild mammals.
Greyhound Racing

The League has been calling for immediate action to address welfare issues for dogs used in greyhound racing. Government regulations were introduced in 2010 to address these welfare issues, though animal charities still view them as inadequate.
Dog Fighting

Dog fighting as a ‘sport’ was banned in 1835 – but this horrific form of dog abuse still continues. We’re determined to expose and help prevent dog fighting in the UK. Find information on dog fighting, the signs to look out for and advice for professionals here.