Campaigners in Stroud say it’s time for change as they call for an end to fox hunting
Posted 4th November 2022
Friday, November 4, 2022
The county is one of the worst in the country for reports relating to illegal hunting, despite the blood sport being banned in 2005.
The campaign urges local authorities across the county to ban hunts from using public land to meet, for hound exercise, and for hunting.
Emily Lawrence, the League Against Cruel Sports regional campaign manager, said: “Gloucestershire is a hotspot for brutal fox hunting despite the ban and it’s time to end this cruel activity once and for all.
“We are calling on councils across Gloucestershire to ban fox hunting on public land and help make the area hunting free.”
The launch, which took place outside the Subscription Rooms, saw local residents signing a petition asking councillors across the county to do everything in their power to end fox hunting in Gloucestershire.
Despite a fox hunting ban coming into force in 2005, the League Against Cruel Sports compiles hundreds of eyewitness reports across Britain every year that relate to suspected illegal fox hunting.
There are still 17 hunts operating across Gloucestershire with nine hunting near Stroud.
A recent damning report published by the League showed that Gloucestershire residents were among the most frequent victims of anti-social and threatening behaviour by fox hunts.
The report – Hunt havoc: the human cost of hunting with hounds – showed Gloucestershire in the top five counties of those affected by the antisocial behaviour of fox hunts towards people living in the countryside.
New polling commissioned by the League and conducted independently by Find Out Now and Electoral Calculus showed that three-quarters of voters in Gloucestershire back moves to strengthen hunting laws (76%).
Emily added: “It’s time for change. We need local authorities to step in and we need the support of local MPs who will back our calls for central government to strengthen the Hunting Act to end this repulsive activity.”
Ends
Notes to editors
Enclosed are links to five photos of the League Against Cruel Sports fox, campaigners and members of the public in Stroud.
Photo one: League Against Cruel Sports campaigners at the launch outside the Subscription Rooms in Stroud.
Photo two: League Against Cruel Sports campaigners on Stroud High Street.
Photo three: Madison Harrington with her daughter Jovie, aged one, and the League fox on Stroud High Street.
Photo four: Harper Daunter, aged four, with the League fox on Stroud High Street.
Photo five: Susan Dougan, manager of Lily & Me, one of the local businesses showing their support for the campaign, and pictured with the League fox.
Consent forms signed by families of the children.
Photography credit: Natasha Hirst
The League has created a supporter pack which offers advice for ordinary people on how to deal with the antisocial behaviour of the hunts.
Polling was conducted online by Find Out Now between June 11 and June 14 2022, and the total sample size was 5,187 adults. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged 18+). MRP Analysis was conducted by Electoral Calculus. Both Find Out Now and Electoral Calculus are members of the British Polling Council.
For more information or interview requests please contact the League Against Cruel Sports Press Office on 01483 524250 (24hrs) or email pressoffice@league.org.uk
