Protect the Wild has released a damning new report detailing the high levels of wildlife persecution that took place during the 2023/24 hunting season. A Case for a Proper Ban on Hunting shows that nearly 600 wild animals were chased or killed over the course of season, some two decades on from the hunting of live wild animals being outlawed.
Responding to the report’s findings, wildlife TV presenter and conservationist Chris Packham called on the Labour government to act. He said:
“A single wild animal being chased or killed is one too many. A single disturbance of a badger sett is one too many. Attacks on wildlife monitors, the public, havoc on roads- the numbers are clear- trail hunting is nothing but a lawless, cruel ‘free for all’ for an arrogant rural mob.
We have the report, what we need next is a reaction from Labour. The overwhelming evidence of the cruelty and criminality involved in fox hunting necessitates urgent legislative action”
This is the second annual report by Protect the Wild on the state of the hunting industry in England and Wales. It covers the period 1 July 2023 to 30 April 2024 across the two countries and is based on 2312 reports published by hunt saboteur and monitor groups, newspapers, and members of the public.
Key findings from the report include:
– There were 364 reported incidents of fox hunting across the season, with hunts chasing 335 foxes and killing a further 29 individuals. Somerset’s Blackmore and Sparkford Vale Hunt accounted for 12.83% of the total reported fox chases and kills.
– There was a total of 150 reported incidents of hunts chasing deer and 26 cases of hunts killing deer.
– Reports during the season revealed that hunts chased 40 hares and killed one individual. Most of these incidents were due to foxhounds going after hares while searching for a fox.
– Dig outs were reported on six occasions across the season. This is where hunts block holes to prevent foxes who have taken shelter underground from escaping, before then digging them out.
– Relatedly, hunts interfered with badger setts on 124 occasions, according to reports. Setts are typically interfered with, such as their entrance holes being blocked, to stop foxes taking shelter underground.
It’s important to note that these findings relate solely to monitored or witnessed activities by hunts. Protect the Wild’s Glen Black, who authored the report, said:
“The 2312 reports that were reviewed to gather data for the report represent just a portion of the total number of hunting days throughout the 2023/24 season. An exact figure for hunting days isn’t publicly available, but Protect the Wild estimates there were likely over 19,000 when taking all hunts and the early season meets, such as for cubbing, into account.
The conclusions drawn in the report, based on the data on what was observed, offer a shocking statistic: nearly 45% of hunt meets involved some sort of anti-wildlife, anti-social or criminal action. Taking even just the 587 incidents where hunts reportedly chased or killed wildlife equates to roughly one-in-four observed meets.”
Non-wildlife focused incidents highlighted in the report include aggression from hunts towards saboteurs, monitors, and sometimes members of the public. In total, there were 239 incidents of minor attacks, ranging from racist and transphobic slurs to pushing and shoving. 16 further attacks were considered major, which included the destruction of vehicles and causing serious injuries to activists or members of the public.
The report also found high levels of incidents involving ‘hunt havoc’, meaning situations involving hunts on public roads and properties. In all, there were 280 incidents of road havoc, 327 incidents of traffic offences, and 251 incidents of trespass across the season.
Some constabularies have started taking the anti-social behaviour of hunts seriously as a crime and the report spotlights the progress made by police forces in this regard. But the chaos that hunts are causing in the countryside is costing the public money in policing costs, as the report also documents.
According to the data reviewed, 351 police units attended hunt meets throughout the season, not including Boxing Day events. The financial burden of this policing is exemplified by Leicestershire Police’s expenditure of £7,350.78 on Operation Enlighten, which oversees the constabulary’s response to hunting and anti-hunting matters, and the £14,322 spent on policing the Kent Hounds’ Boxing Day parade.
This second annual report from Protect the Wild comes nearly 20 years after the Hunting Act was passed to end the hunting of mammals for fun. It shows beyond a shadow of a doubt that, as Black says, the hunting industry is “committed to terrorising and murdering wildlife.” The need for a new hunting law couldn’t be clearer.
Protect the Wild commissioned Advocates for Animals to prepare a new draft bill in 2023 to replace the Hunting Act. The resulting Hunting of Mammals Bill can give Britain’s wildlife the much-needed protection it needs from the ongoing persecution outlined in this report.
Protect the Wild is calling on the Labour government to replace the Hunting Act urgently. Its founder Rob Pownall says:
“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 govt works to bring about legislative change then we will continue to see the illegal persecution of wildlife across the country. It’s time for a new proper ban on hunting with hounds.”
Wildlife Persecution in Dorset: A Deepening Environmental Crisis
The county of Dorset, known for its stunning coastline, rolling countryside, and rich biodiversity, is unfortunately also becoming a focal point for wildlife persecution. This persecution manifests in various forms, from illegal hunting and trapping to habitat destruction. While the county is celebrated for its natural beauty, the ongoing assault on its wildlife is an environmental crisis that demands urgent attention.
This article explores the historical context, the current forms of wildlife persecution, its effects on the environment and local communities, the laws in place to protect wildlife, and what is being done – or needs to be done – to combat this issue.
Historical Context of Wildlife Persecution in Dorset
Wildlife persecution in Dorset, like much of the UK, has deep historical roots. In medieval times, much of the countryside was controlled by the aristocracy, with large estates dedicated to hunting. Laws were often crafted to protect game species such as deer, hare, and pheasant for the enjoyment of the gentry, while smaller predators such as foxes, badgers, and birds of prey were viewed as vermin and killed in large numbers.
Fox hunting, in particular, became a symbol of rural tradition, and Dorset was no exception. The practice of hunting foxes with packs of hounds for sport was widespread, particularly during the 18th and 19th centuries. Badger baiting, another cruel practice, was also common in this period. Though both practices were later outlawed, the culture of controlling so-called “vermin” persisted, and remnants of these attitudes still influence rural communities in Dorset today.
Over the centuries, Dorset’s wildlife faced persecution not only from hunters but also from those who sought to exploit its natural resources. The demand for agricultural land led to the destruction of habitats, including heathlands and wetlands, which once teemed with wildlife. This loss of habitat, combined with direct persecution, severely impacted species populations across the region.
Forms of Wildlife Persecution in Dorset Today
In modern times, wildlife persecution in Dorset takes several forms, many of which are illegal yet continue to occur. The primary forms of persecution include illegal hunting, poaching, the destruction of nests and dens, and the use of illegal traps and poisons.
1. Illegal Hunting and Poaching
Although fox hunting with hounds was officially banned in England and Wales under the Hunting Act 2004, reports suggest that illegal hunting continues in Dorset. Foxes remain a target, often under the guise of “trail hunting”, a controversial practice where hunters claim to follow a pre-laid scent trail but end up pursuing live foxes. The act of chasing and killing foxes remains deeply ingrained in parts of the local rural culture, despite the legal prohibition.
Deer poaching is another significant issue in Dorset, particularly in areas like the Isle of Purbeck and the Dorset Downs, where large deer populations are found. Poachers, often armed and dangerous, kill deer not only for meat but also for antlers, which can fetch high prices. This not only affects the local deer populations but also puts the public at risk when poachers operate near public lands and nature reserves.
2. The Persecution of Birds of Prey
Dorset is home to several species of birds of prey, including buzzards, kestrels, and the reintroduced red kites. These majestic birds face persecution, primarily from gamekeepers and others involved in the shooting industry. Birds of prey are sometimes viewed as threats to game birds like pheasants, which are bred and released for shooting. In response, illegal poisoning, shooting, and nest destruction have been reported across the county.
The persecution of birds of prey is a serious problem that has drawn attention from conservationists and law enforcement agencies alike. Recent studies have shown that raptor persecution is not only detrimental to the species involved but also indicative of broader environmental crimes taking place in rural areas.
3. Badger Culling and Persecution
Badgers are another species that suffer greatly from persecution in Dorset. Though protected under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992, badgers are frequently targeted in illegal baiting activities. Badger baiting involves setting dogs on badgers, a cruel and illegal practice that causes immense suffering.
In addition to illegal baiting, the government-sanctioned badger cull, aimed at controlling bovine tuberculosis (bTB) in cattle, has led to the killing of thousands of badgers across the county. The cull, which began in 2013, has been widely criticised by scientists and conservationists who argue that it is ineffective and inhumane. The cull is a legal form of badger killing, but it has led to increased levels of illegal persecution as well, with individuals taking matters into their own hands and targeting badgers outside of the official cull zones.
4. Habitat Destruction
Wildlife persecution is not limited to the direct killing of animals. The destruction of habitats is one of the most pervasive and damaging forms of persecution, as it displaces wildlife and disrupts ecosystems. Dorset’s heathlands, wetlands, and woodlands are home to a diverse range of species, many of which are already under threat due to habitat loss.
Urban development, agriculture, and infrastructure projects have all contributed to the degradation of wildlife habitats in Dorset. Species such as the sand lizard, smooth snake, and Dartford warbler, all of which rely on heathland habitats, have seen their populations decline due to the encroachment of development and the fragmentation of their habitats.
The Environmental Impact of Wildlife Persecution
The environmental consequences of wildlife persecution in Dorset are severe and far-reaching. The loss of key species through persecution and habitat destruction has a cascading effect on the entire ecosystem. Predators such as foxes and birds of prey play a crucial role in controlling populations of smaller animals, maintaining a balance within the ecosystem. When these predators are removed, prey species can proliferate, leading to overgrazing or overpopulation, which in turn affects plant life and other animal species.
In addition to disrupting ecological balance, wildlife persecution also diminishes biodiversity. Dorset is home to a number of rare and endangered species, and their continued persecution threatens their survival. The decline in species diversity can make ecosystems more vulnerable to disease, invasive species, and climate change, further jeopardising the natural heritage of the region.
Habitat destruction also contributes to climate change. Wetlands and woodlands act as carbon sinks, absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere. When these habitats are destroyed, their ability to store carbon is diminished, contributing to the global climate crisis. Moreover, the loss of natural habitats reduces the land’s ability to absorb excess water, increasing the risk of flooding in local communities.
The Legal Framework and its Limitations
The UK has a robust legal framework designed to protect wildlife. The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 is one of the primary pieces of legislation that offers protection to wild animals, birds, and plants. It makes it illegal to kill, injure, or take any wild bird, or to damage or destroy the nest of any bird while it is in use or being built. Additionally, the Protection of Badgers Act 1992 offers specific protection to badgers and their setts, making it illegal to harm or disturb them.
Despite these legal protections, enforcement remains a significant challenge. Wildlife crime is often difficult to detect, particularly in remote rural areas. Poaching and illegal hunting typically take place under cover of darkness or in areas far from the public eye, making it hard for law enforcement agencies to catch perpetrators in the act. Even when offenders are caught, the penalties are often insufficient to act as a deterrent. Fines and short prison sentences do little to dissuade those involved in lucrative activities such as deer poaching or the illegal trade in raptor eggs.
Furthermore, the government-sanctioned badger cull undermines the message that wildlife should be protected. While the cull is intended to reduce the spread of bovine TB, its efficacy is highly contested, and its implementation has led to widespread badger persecution, both legal and illegal. This creates confusion and mixed messages about the value of wildlife conservation in the county.
The Role of Conservation Organisations and Local Communities
Several conservation organisations are working tirelessly to combat wildlife persecution in Dorset. The Dorset Wildlife Trust (DWT) plays a key role in monitoring wildlife, protecting habitats, and raising awareness about the threats faced by local species. Their efforts include habitat restoration projects, public education campaigns, and working with local farmers and landowners to promote sustainable land management practices.
The RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds) also plays a vital role in protecting birds of prey and other avian species in Dorset. They work closely with law enforcement agencies to report and investigate cases of illegal persecution, particularly of raptors. The RSPB also engages in advocacy work, pushing for stronger legal protections and better enforcement of existing laws.
Local communities also have a crucial part to play in addressing wildlife persecution. Increasingly, local residents are becoming involved in citizen science projects, helping to monitor wildlife populations and report illegal activities. Many communities are also taking steps to make their gardens and public spaces more wildlife-friendly by planting native species, providing habitats for birds and small mammals, and reducing the use of pesticides.
However, community involvement is not universal, and there remains a significant divide between those who value wildlife conservation and those who engage in or tolerate wildlife persecution. Bridging this divide requires continued education and outreach, as well as stronger penalties for those who engage in illegal activities.
The Path Forward: Solutions and Hope
To effectively combat wildlife persecution in Dorset, a multi-faceted approach is necessary. Stronger enforcement of existing laws is essential, but it must be paired with greater public awareness and education. Conservation groups, local authorities, and law enforcement must work together to create a culture of respect for wildlife and the environment.
In addition, habitat restoration projects must be prioritised to provide wildlife with the space they need to thrive. The rewilding movement, which seeks to restore ecosystems to their natural state by reintroducing species and allowing natural processes to take place, offers a potential solution for some areas of Dorset. Rewilding projects have already shown success in other parts of the UK, such as the Knepp Estate in West Sussex, and could offer a model for Dorset to follow.
Finally, the ongoing badger cull must be reconsidered. Scientific evidence suggests that culling is not an effective means of controlling bovine TB, and alternative methods such as vaccination should be pursued. Ending the cull would not only protect badgers but also send a clear message that wildlife is valued and protected in Dorset.
Conclusion
Wildlife persecution in Dorset is a complex and pressing issue, rooted in historical traditions but perpetuated by modern challenges. The direct killing of animals through illegal hunting and poaching, the destruction of habitats, and the failure to enforce wildlife protection laws all contribute to the decline of the county’s biodiversity. However, with concerted effort from conservation organisations, local communities, and policymakers, there is hope that Dorset’s wildlife can be protected and restored for future generations.
By fostering a deeper respect for nature and enforcing the laws that are already in place, Dorset can move toward a future where wildlife persecution is a thing of the past and its rich natural heritage is preserved for all to enjoy.
More Info:
1. Protect the Wild is a nonprofit organisation that empowers people to protect British wildlife, through supporting front-line groups, arming people with information, and campaigning hard for legislative change. Its aim is to end hunting, end shooting, and end badger persecution in the UK.
2. The full A Case for a Proper Ban on Hunting report can be found at the following link.
3. The first report – Hunting: A Case for Change – examined the 2022/23 hunting season and can be found at this link.
4. Information on the Hunting of Mammals Bill can be found here.
5. ‘Cubbing’ refers to cub hunting, whereby hunts surround wooded areas and crop fields, areas where fox cubs are likely to live, and send in their hounds. You can read more about cubbing here.
6. For further information, please contact: Tracy Keeling, [email protected]
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