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Hundreds of ‘bloodthirsty and shameful’ illegal fox hunts took place ahead of Boxing Day event

HUNDREDS of “bloodthirsty and shameful” suspected illegal fox hunting incidents took place across Britain in just over a month, according to an animal welfare charity.

The figures from the League Against Cruel Sports (LACS) were published to coincide with the Boxing Day hunts, where thousands of people gathered to kill foxes using hounds.

Anti-hunt campaigners issued fresh demands to strengthen hunting laws that allow trail hunting due to a loophole.

More than 430 convictions under the Hunting Act, which banned hunting wild mammals with dogs in England and Wales, have been secured over a decade.

But the number of breaches is likely to be higher.

LACS said that there have been 303 reports of either suspected illegal hunting or hunt “havoc,” such as trespass, road interference and disturbing animals, between November 1 and December 7.

The counties with the highest combined totals of suspected illegal hunting and hunt havoc were Dorset, Yorkshire, Somerset, Warwickshire and Gloucestershire.

Emma Judd of LACS said: “People will see the hunts out today… and not know that behind the finery is a so-called sport that sees public lives endangered on roads and railways and livestock worried by out-of-control hounds.

“Our figures … evidence the negative impact hunting has on rural communities and show clearly that it is time for change.

“Only by strengthening the law on hunting can communities, wildlife and rural values be protected.

“The bloodthirsty and shameful ‘sport’ of fox hunting is massively unpopular with the Yorkshire electorate who want to see hunting laws strengthened, and it’s time government came on board with public opinion.”

More than 200 hunts paraded routes through high streets up and down Britain for the annual event on Boxing Day before heading to meets to follow artificial trails laid across the countryside.

But LACS found 78 reports of a fox being visibly pursued, with eight reported kills and three suspected kills in the five weeks.

Shadow environment secretary Jim McMahon said: “The government must do more to close the loopholes that allow people to break the law, and to consign hunting to the history books.”

He said that a Labour government would put an end to trail hunting to protect animal welfare.

Scottish environment minister Mairi McAllan said the loopholes will be closed when the Hunting With Dogs Bill goes through its final stage in 2023.

Ministers in Westminster have no current plans to strengthen the legislation.

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