Paul Tucker
Updated on: October 11, 2024 9:35 pm GMT
In a stark revelation, a new report by the campaign group Protect the Wild has unveiled alarming statistics related to wildlife persecution in England and Wales during the 2023/24 hunting season. Nearly 600 wild animals, including foxes and deer, were chased or killed, raising serious questions about the enforcement of existing laws aimed at protecting wildlife two decades after hunting such animals was banned.
High Incidence of Wildlife Persecution
The report titled “A Case for a Proper Ban on Hunting” reveals that the troubling violations of animal rights are not isolated incidents. These findings stem from 2,312 reports gathered from hunt saboteurs, monitors, media sources, and the public. According to Glen Black, the report’s author, the observed activities indicate a much larger issue at stake, as they represent only a fraction of the estimated 19,000 hunting days throughout the season.
Key findings from the report include:
- Nearly 600 incidents of wildlife being chased or killed.
- Approximately 45% of monitored hunt meets involved illegal or harmful activities towards wildlife.
- Out of 587 specific incidents, about one in four chase or kill activities occurred at these meets.
Non-Wildlife Related Incidents
In addition to the direct hunting activity, the report highlights numerous incidents of harassment and violence against individuals opposed to hunting. The data includes:
- 239 instances of minor attacks, which involved verbal harassment and physical confrontations.
- 16 major attacks, comprising serious injuries and damage to property, including vehicles.
- A significant presence of “hunt havoc,” detailing disruption caused by hunts on roads and properties. The reported incidents include:
– 280 instances of road havoc
– 327 traffic offenses
– 251 cases of trespass
Call for Legislative Action
Wildlife expert and television presenter Chris Packham has vocalized his concerns, urging the Labour Party to take immediate action in response to the report. He stated that the evidence indicates a systemic issue within the hunting community, where illegal and cruel activities persist despite the Hunting Act of 2004, which was instituted to prevent such actions.
Packham emphasized the follow-up needed from the Labour government, stating, “A single wild animal being chased or killed is one too many.” He pointed out that the behavior witnessed during this hunting season reflects a disregard for both wildlife and public safety.
Police Response to Wildlife Crimes
Recognizing the severity of the situation, some police constabularies have started addressing the anti-social behavior associated with hunting. The report documented that 351 police units intervened in various hunting incidents throughout the season. This increased enforcement comes at a financial cost; for instance, Leicestershire Police reported expenditures exceeding £21,000 for policing hunting-related events.
Need for a Stronger Hunting Law
The Protect the Wild report underscores the necessity for a more comprehensive legislative framework to protect wildlife. Following the findings, the group has proposed a new draft bill, the Hunting of Mammals Bill, advocating for an urgent replacement of the existing Hunting Act. According to Rob Pownall, founder of Protect the Wild, this bill represents a crucial step towards safeguarding wildlife from ongoing harassment and violence associated with hunting practices.
Pownall insists that the evidence compiled by Protect the Wild is conclusive and cannot be ignored. He stated, “The evidence is there for all to see. Don’t be fooled by the laughable ‘National Trail Hunting Day.’ The hunts are very much still at it, and until this government works to bring about legislative change, we will continue to see the illegal persecution of wildlife across the country.”
Conclusion: A Call to Action
The revelations documented in the report highlight an urgent need for legislative action to combat wildlife persecution. With the Labour Party now urged to respond, the future of wildlife protection in England and Wales hangs in the balance. As advocates for animal rights continue to push for change, the evidence presented sheds light on the stark realities of wildlife hunting today, calling for a renewed commitment to safeguard the natural environment.
This new report is a strong reminder that we need to change the laws about hunting and protecting wildlife in the UK. Groups like Protect the Wild are doing important work to push for better rules and stronger protections. Their goal is to stop the ongoing harm to animals and make sure they are safe.
