Fox hunting - Should it be banned?

Fox hunting is a widely talked about issue prompting both positive (tradition) and negative (animal cruelty) viewpoints. The ethics have been in question for many years until the activity was banned in February 2005. I will use this space to demonstrate my attitudes and beliefs of whether this ban was the correct action.

Fox hunting has been a dominant part of society for hundreds of years. Usually participated by the wealthier citizens of society, it was seen as a release from work whilst also being an active form of employment. Many people disagree whether the sport is 'humane' or 'cruel'.

• Hounds predominantly catch the weaker foxes, leaving the stronger wants to breed and face the winter. Many people believe that if the foxes aren't strong enough to get away, then they are not fit enough to survive.
• Hunters and supporters of fox hunting believe that the deaths of foxes are quick and see it as humane as opposed to protestors who see it as being cruel.
• It is a form of tradition and plays a vital role in rural areas as well as in society as a whole
• More recently, it has given opportunities to people from different backgrounds and social status.
• Creates job opportunities and assists in preserving wildlife.
• "Foxes and vermin and their numbers need to be controlled". - BBC
• The 'hunt' is performed under strict rules which must be conformed to, minimising damage to the environment.

However, on the opposing side, fox hunting has been seen as irresponsible, cruel and ethically wrong.

• "Fox hunters chase foxes for pleasure and not because they want to help farmers. Foxes could be controlled by shooting instead". - CBBC
• It may be considered as a way of life, but people make money robbing people in the street? Does this make it right?
• Approximately 20,000 foxes and 10,000 dogs are killed taking part in fox hunting every year.
• Animal rights activists believe it is immoral to chase and kill animals for the sake of sport - BBC
• Deaths are considered much longer for the foxes - anything between a matter of seconds and a couple of hours.
• 82% claimed that the hunt's main role was as 'a recreational and social force embodying a traditional rural pastime' - This poses the question of why they have to kill? - Enviroweb

There are many arguments for and against the sport as you can see. On the plus side it acts as a social event and a form of pest control. However, the drawbacks include the undoubtedly cruel way of killing and the vast number of casualties (both foxes and dogs) as a result.

I don't believe in either banning it or ignoring the fact it promotes violence. However, I believe there are solutions.

• Government should offer hunters an opportunity to hunt on an irregular basis by organising an event.


• Strict perameters should be put in place - fenced off area to minimise damage.


• Hunters' should conform to government guidelines of what they can and can't do. Failure to do so resulting in severe penalties.

I don't believe a complete ban is neccessary. If we were to ban all cruel / violent sports think what would be left?

• Boxing - promotes violence.


• Rugby - aspects of violence - stamping, gouging, punching.


• Martial arts - self explanatory


• Extreme fighting - "............"


• Wrestling - "............"

The list goes on..... And what would the reaction be? Complete uproar!

I feel if the government could negotiate and offer some sort of alternative, it would benefit both parties. The likelihood of this happening is severly unlikely