20 years of the Hunting Act – let’s end fox hunting for good

A blog by League Against Cruel Sports acting chief executive Chris Luffingham

Twenty years ago, the Hunting Act 2004 came into force — a landmark piece of legislation that sought to end the cruel and outdated practice of fox hunting. This was a victory for compassion, a moment when public opinion and political will combined to take a stand against needless suffering that hunting wild mammals with dogs entails.

Yet, two decades on, we find ourselves still fighting the same battle. While the Hunting Act was undoubtably a huge step forward, it has not been the silver bullet we had hoped for. The reality is that hunting with hounds persists across England and Wales. Loopholes, such as the exemption for ‘research and observation’, continue to be exploited by organised hunts, and the invention of so-called ‘trail hunting’ abuses weaknesses within the law to allow hunts to continue as they did before the ban.

This deception must end. The British public overwhelmingly supports a ban on hunting, and yet those determined to flout the law do so with shocking impunity. Too often, we see reports of foxes being chased and killed, with those responsible escaping justice. Increasingly, law enforcement has recognised the weaknesses of the Hunting Act too, senior police officers have said: “The Hunting Act is not working effectively, and illegal hunting is still common practice”. Even the UN has urged exemptions within the law to be reviewed.

Since July, following a manifesto commitment, it has been UK government policy to strengthen the law on hunting. This is a momentous milestone in the campaign to end hunting with dogs once and for all. It is imperative, however, that we see that commitment followed up with legislation, warm words will not cut it. The time has come to strengthen the Hunting Act, close these loopholes, and ensure that it truly delivers on its promise of protecting wildlife from cruel and unnecessary persecution.

At the League Against Cruel Sports, we are calling for a tougher, more enforceable ban — one that removes exemptions, increases penalties for those who break the law, and ends the charade of ‘trail' hunting once and for all. We need real consequences for those who continue to defy the law.

That’s why we are urging you to take action. Sign the Time for Change petition today and help us demand a stronger Hunting Act. Your voice matters. Together, we can show that cruelty has no place in our countryside, that laws should be more than just words on paper, and that those who harm animals for sport must be held accountable.

As we reflect on 20 years of the Hunting Act, let’s not just mark the occasion — let’s make it a turning point. The fight for wildlife protection is far from over, but with your support, we can push for the stronger, watertight ban that our wildlife deserves.

Sign the petition today. Let’s make history again.

https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/time-for-change-no-more-fox-hunting