Volunteer Voices: Why I volunteer for the League

I recently became a volunteer for the League Against Cruel Sports. I have been campaigning for as long as I can remember to help protect and look after animals.

Since moving to the Cotswolds 15 years ago it was apparent that a strong hunting and shooting community exists. I have struggled with this injustice towards wildlife in the countryside.

As a keen walker, explorer and nature watcher I am often disappointed and dismayed with the environment in which I live. It often feels like a shooting ground, where young boys are still playing army games. Except they have grown into fully sized men shooting 'game'! A lot of places have pheasant pens, traps, snares, filled in badger setts, barbed wire, 'Private Property Keep Out' signs - I begin to feel exasperated, frustrated and disappointed.

Since joining the League I feel there is hope, joining an organisation that really does speak up for animals. They are working really hard to help, protect and save our wildlife.

Since volunteering, I have attended several demonstrations these include the National Dis-Trust campaign. This was a peaceful demo at Upton House (National Trust land) and was a great opportunity to hand out some very enlightening leaflets informing the general public about hunting and what really goes on. The other was at Bourton-on-the-Water where we united with two campaigns. The first was against trail hunting and the other was against the badger cull.

This was a good chance to combine a couple of local issues and make the public more aware of our concerns. I was really impressed with the way the League supported and assisted us so we could allow this great opportunity to take place. We had great fun dressing up as a badger and fox, the public enjoyed this too and it was a very constructive afternoon.

I have also helped run a stall at several different events, including at Vale Wildlife Hospital Open Day, Wychwood Festival and Stroud Vegan Yoga Festival. These were very enjoyable experiences, where I got to meet lots of interesting and wonderful people doing lots of positive things.

I hope to continue to volunteer for the League and do what I can to assist in their great mission to help protect animals.

It feels good to be part of an organisation that has a positive outlook and a kind-hearted approach to animal welfare.

Thank you to Roisin, for volunteering her time to help expose and end cruelty to animals in the name of 'sport'.