Media centre

League Against Cruel Sports media centre

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About the League

For as long as hunting wild animals with dogs has existed, people will have been opposed to it. The League Against Cruel Sports was founded in 1924 with the aim of banning fox hunting, stag hunting, otter hunting, hare hunting and hare coursing in the UK.

Today, sadly, we are still campaigning on many of the same issues. The League is known for being instrumental in bringing about the Hunting Act 2004 which banned hunting with hounds in England and Wales, yet we are still fighting to protect foxes, hare and deer from illegal hunting which takes place far too frequently across the UK.

Find further information about the League's history here.

The map of cruel sports

This ground-breaking interactive map shows the territory of the 299 hunts still operating in the British countryside and the species they target – foxes, hares or deer. We will be adding more information on shooting and other ‘sports’ that shows the prevalence of animal cruelty in the future.

Investigations

A lot of animal abuse and cruelty takes place out of sight, whether it be an illegal fox hunt on a windy moor, or a dog fight in an abandoned warehouse. Often the only way to expose these activities is to go undercover and up close – a dangerous business.

Our trained team of investigators, which includes ex-police officers, use a range of techniques including filming hunts from a distance to record any illegal activity. Footage taken of hunts in Scotland recently led to a review of the hunting laws there, and proved vital in stopping an attempted repeal of the Hunting Act in England and Wales.

Our unique Animal Crimewatch hotline allows anyone witnessing illegal activity in connection with cruel sports to report it to us confidentially.

Conservation

The League directly protects animals on our sanctuaries and other land – covering around 3000 acres - where we have the ‘sporting rights’, meaning that no-one is allowed to hunt or shoot animals.

Baronsdown in particular is host to a huge range of birds, animals and insects, including red deer, foxes, badgers, an important population of butterflies and rare birds such as the pied flycatcher. As a result, Baronsdown is a safe place for animals persecuted in the name of sort’ and stags and foxes have been seen fleeing hunts onto the sanctuary land.

Further journalist and media resources

Branding - including League logos
Infographics - created by the League, these graphics include statistics

Contact our media team

Telephone: 01483 524 250 (24 hours)

Email: [email protected]

MIKE NICHOLAS

Senior Media Relations Officer

Telephone: 01483 524 262

Mobile: 07496 496454

Email: [email protected]

EMMA JUDD

Deputy Director of Policy, Campaigns and Communications

Telephone: 01483 524 280

Mobile: 07494 399074

Email: [email protected]

Notes to Editors

For more information or interview requests please contact the League Against Cruel Sports Press Office on 01483 524250 (24hrs) or email [email protected]

The League Against Cruel Sports is Britain's leading charity that works to stop animals being persecuted, abused and killed for sport. The League was instrumental in helping bring about the landmark Hunting Act. We carry out investigations to expose law-breaking and cruelty to animals and campaign for stronger animal protection laws and penalties. We work to change attitudes and behaviour through education and manage sanctuaries to protect wildlife. Find out more about our work at www.league.org.uk. Registered charity in England and Wales (no.1095234) and Scotland (no.SC045533).

Latest

Government should end hunting on its land, say leading animal protection charities

The League and other leading animal welfare charities met the Secretary of State for the Environment to urge him to deny hunts access to government land, and to back the strengthening of the Hunting Act, in light of recent revelations from hunting's governing bodies about so-called 'trail' hunting
More landowners take a stand against ‘trail’ hunting

Hundreds of thousands more acres of land have been denied to the hunting packs of England and Wales in wake of the webinar scandal
League statement – Gordon Elliott

The League commends the British Horseracing Authority for prohibiting Irish trainer Gordon Elliott from racing in Britain following the publication of a heart-breaking picture of him sitting astride a dead horse.
Legacy mock up page

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 and Bull Running

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.