What we do

History of the League

Who are the League Against Cruel Sports and what do we do? Find out more about the charity and how and why we protect animals and wildlife. Read more

The United Kingdom often describes itself as a ‘nation of animal lovers, but cruel sports are endemic across the UK. This map provides a clear picture of the sheer scale of cruelty to animals in the name of ‘sport’. Read more

Latest

Greyhound racing standards fall well short of keeping dogs safe, say charities

Thousands of greyhounds are killed or injured on racetracks, while thousands more are kept in substandard trainers’ kennels with slim chance of a home, two animal welfare charities say.

Domestic pets are chased and killed by hunting hounds

Beloved pets are the latest casualties of reckless hunting in Britain, according to figures released by a leading animal welfare charity.

Charity urges government to stand by its promises

Animal welfare charity the League Against Cruel Sports is urging the government to stand by promises it made a year ago to increase custodial sentences for animal abusers.

Scottish Parliament votes to make mountain hares a protected species

Mountain hare amendment to Animals and Wildlife (Penalties, Protections and Powers) (Scotland) Bill passed

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.