FROM PROTECT THE WILD

THE FOX HUNTING 'SEASON' IS OVER BUT AT WHAT COST? It's always a bit odd to describe the fox hunting season as having come to an end because the usual reply is 'I thought fox hunting was banned?' Well in theory, yes. But in reality, the ban isn't working and the hunts are still at it. And across the country foxes and other mammals are still being chased and killed.  We estimate there were at least 9,600 days of hunting in the 22/23 season in England and Wales alone.  And in all my years campaigning against the vile pastime of fox hunting I don't think there have been as many sickening incidents as there have been over the last six months or so.  We have seen foxes thrown to hounds, a bagged fox being released to a baying pack, a vixen buried underground to be hunted, a fox cornered and ripped to pieces in a private garden. And this only touches the surface. You can only imagine some of the scenes taking place that weren't captured on camera.

ADOPT A FOX TODAY AND HELP US END THIS MADNESS And it isn't just wildlife that falls victim to hunting. Below are just a handful of incidents of hunt recklessness from the 2022/23 season: On 4 February 2023, East Essex Hunt hounds ran along a road into oncoming traffic, forcing a van to make an emergency stop. On 14 January 2023, hounds from the Mendip Farmers Hunt (MFH) caused havoc as they tore through Chew Valley Animal Park. Also on 14 January 2023, a sheep drowned when Grafton Hunt hounds ran out of control in a farmer’s field. On 11 January, a pet rhea went missing after he was chased by hunting hounds. On 29 November 2022, a Grove and Rufford Hunt (GRH) hound was hit and killed by a car on the A614. The pack was out of control, forcing cars and lorries to come to a standstill. On 31 October 2022, at least four Dunston Harriers hounds died after the pack ran onto a railway line in Norfolk. FOX HUNTING IS ILLEGAL BUT YOU WOULDN'T THINK IT And that's why there has never been a greater need to fight harder than ever to end this despicable pastime for good. Only last week we released a hard-hitting undercover investigation exposing how the Border Hunt treats their hounds.  Without groups like us, hunts will just keep getting away with it. Someone needs to take a stand and that is why we are so thankful to all of our amazing supporters like you who help fund our important work.  Our work can be costly, especially our investigations that require expertise and specialist equipment. We hate asking for funding but we rely solely on the public to continue what we do. For just £3 a month you can adopt a fox with us today and we'll send you a cuddly toy and adoption pack.   Or, please send a small donation to help us be as prepared as possible before the new hunting season. Thank you as always, Rob