Trail hunting purports to mimic traditional hunting (which was banned by the Hunting Act 2004) by following an animal-based scent trail, which has been laid in areas where foxes or hares are likely to be. Read more
In terms of the number of animals persecuted and killed, no other cruel sport in the UK has such a devastated impact on animals as commercial ‘game’ bird shooting. Up to 146,000 pheasants, 5,300 red grouse and 38,300 red-legged partridges are shot every day in the UK, during their respective hunting seasons. Read more
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. Read more
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. Read more
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Many people have been shocked to learn that illegal hunting is taking place on National Trust land. Read more
The League owns wildlife sanctuaries in Somerset and Devon, where animals can live free from persecution Read more
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. Read more
Three registered hunts still chase and kill reed deer across England despite a deer hunting ban coming into force in 2004 & deer hunting with dogs being banned. Read more
Trophy hunting is the stalking and killing of wild animals with guns or bows and arrows with the purpose of obtaining part of the animal as a trophy. This multi-million pound international industry not only takes place in countries like Africa, but also in the UK. Read more
Thousand of badgers have being killed by the UK government in the ‘badger cull’ since 2013. Help us stop the unjustified and inhumane slaughter of a protected species. Read more
Snares are used extensively on ‘game’ bird shoots. A snare is a thin wire noose set to trap animals which some people view as being a pest or threat, usually foxes and rabbits. Read more
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. Read more
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’. Read more
Mink hunting is banned in England & Wales by the Hunting Act 2004 - but we believe it continues. During a mink hunt, the hounds are followed on foot as they walk or swim along riverbanks in search of mink. Read more
According to reports, race-horses are being fatally injured and destroyed on a regular basis at race-courses all over the UK, including lesser known horse racing events. Read more
Hare hunting is the lesser known cousin of fox hunting and deer hunting, but in the days before hunting was banned in England and Wales, one in three hunts were actually hare hunts. Read more
Hundreds of thousands of grouse are shot for entertainment in Scotland most years. Find more information on grouse shooting in Scotland on this page. Read more
Our dedicated team of professional League investigators watch the activities of the ten mounted fox hunts in Scotland. Find more information on fox hunting in Scotland on this page. Read more