The fight for animal rights in the UK faces a new and dangerous threat. A group of fox hunters is seeking to gain protected status under the Equality Act, claiming that their belief in hunting should be treated as a protected characteristic, much like race or religion.

This outrageous bid threatens to undermine decades of progress in animal welfare and puts the lives of countless animals at risk. We cannot stand by and allow this to happen.

The Cruel Reality of Fox Hunting

Fox hunting is a cruel and barbaric practice that has no place in a compassionate society. The 2004 Hunting Act¹ was passed to protect wild animals from being chased and killed by packs of dogs. This law reflects the values of the majority of the British public, who overwhelmingly support the ban on hunting with dogs. Yet, the lobbying group Hunting Kind, led by Ed Swales, is now trying to use the Equality Act to secure legal protections for those who want to revive this brutal tradition².

The Flawed Argument for Protection

Swales argues that fox hunters face discrimination and deserve the same legal protections as minority groups. He claims that hunting is a cultural heritage that has been unfairly targeted by the law, and that hunters have suffered social media abuse, job loss, and public shaming because of their beliefs². But this argument fails to recognize the fundamental difference between protecting people’s beliefs and protecting a practice that inflicts suffering on sentient beings.

Why This Must Be Opposed

Animal rights activists and legal experts have strongly opposed Swales’ claims. They point out that the purpose of the Equality Act is to safeguard beliefs that are worthy of respect in a democratic society—beliefs that do not conflict with the fundamental rights of others. Extending this protection to a practice that causes harm to animals is not only legally questionable but morally wrong³.

The True Victims: The Animals

Fox hunting is not a cultural practice worthy of protection; it is a cruel tradition that has been condemned by the majority of society. The hunting community, traditionally composed of wealthy landowners and aristocrats, hardly qualifies as an oppressed minority. To grant them special protection under the law would be an insult to the very idea of equality².

The suffering inflicted on foxes during hunts is well-documented. Hounds tear foxes apart, chase stags to exhaustion, and even kill pets in their path. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) has condemned the use of dogs for hunting, citing the significant suffering it causes to both the hunted animals and the dogs involved⁴. Granting protected status to fox hunters would not only embolden those who wish to continue this practice but also weaken the entire framework of the Equality Act, opening the door to other harmful practices seeking similar recognition³.

Public Sentiment and the Need for Action

The current Labour government has pledged to close the loophole that allows for trail hunting, where dogs follow a pre-laid scent instead of a live animal. However, critics argue that this practice is often used as a cover for illegal hunting, with foxes frequently being killed despite the supposed safeguards in place⁶. We must ensure that our laws reflect the values of compassion and humanity, not the interests of a privileged few.

Sign the Petition Today

Now is the time to take action. We cannot allow the rights of animals to be sacrificed for the sake of an outdated and cruel tradition. By signing this petition, you will be standing up for the voiceless and helping to ensure a more humane and just society for all.

Let’s make it clear that we will not stand for this attempt to undermine animal welfare. Sign the petition today and help protect the rights of animals from those who seek to exploit them under the guise of cultural heritage. Together, we can ensure a better future for all.

More on this issue:

1. The Crown Prosecution Service (2022), “Hunting Act 2004, The
2. Matthew Weaver, The Guardian (12 August 2024), "Pro-foxhunting group says UK hunters should be protected ethnic minority."
3. Amelia Nierenberg, The New York Times (26 August 2024), "Fox Hunters in the U.K. Want Protected Status Under Discrimination Law."
4. Claire Hamlett, Plant Based News (13 August 2024), "Fox Hunters Seek To Be ‘Protected Minority Group’ Under Equality Laws."
5. Colin Fernandez, Daily Mail (12 August 2024), "Fox hunters 'should be protected under equality laws' like Roma and LGBTQ+ people, campaign group claims as it seeks legal protection for those who have pro-hunting views."