Should fox hunting be banned in England and Wales? > Reviews (42)

This was originally written as a speech for my english gsce coursework. My side of the argument was decided for me, pro hunting, but given the choice i would not specifically write for either side.
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Fox hunting. A country side tradition, a lively hood for many and a way to control the fox population. How else are we to manage them? Gassing, trapping, shooting? There are no legal poisons or gasses available for fox control in the UK, and such methods invariably end up killing the wrong species. Trapping and shooting distress the foxes as they have a low success rate along with them not being outright methods of killing. Whereas foxhunting is humane. The fox does not anticipate death, so is not unduly traumatised by the pursuit. Wild animals are used to being hunted. An average hunt lasts for 17 minutes, trapping foxes can leave them suffering for hours or even days.

Strict rules were applied to ensure that we were controlling the population, and not just for our enjoyment. The government shall soon see the consequences. Rabbits, birds, deer and other animals will begin to disappear, with more actually being killed than the foxes themselves. The same government that live in urban areas, unaffected by these issues. If their businesses were torn apart by vicious vermin, the ban would not be here today. The decision should be made by people who care for animals, not people who care for them.

Agriculture is essential. Our country requires fresh, high quality farmed produce from our already struggling farmers, this is not possible if farms are being destroyed. Which would you prefer, extinction of many types of British wildlife or a natural tradition to control one species?

Only 36% of the public actually support the ban on hunting. Aren't the views of a nation more important than 500 MP's? If hunting was actually harmful or cruel this ban would have been placed years ago, without the need for the law to be pushed through using the Parliament act?
In November 2004 there were 318 registered hound packs in England and Wales. Around 13000 jobs depend on the hunt. What will happen to them?

The fact that hunting is now against the law means it has to be policed. They already had too much work. You could end up with a law that has been passed, that nobody adheres to and is ineffective - how do you confiscate a pack of hounds and 40 horses? It is a common fact the today's police force don't have enough recruits or resources. This ban will only make matters worse.

As one of the main anti-hunting groups in the UK, the League Against Cruel Sports is presumed to put animal welfare at the centre of it's argument against the activity. However, five people have left the organisation - two of which are chief executives in protest at its appalling behaviour.

I strongly believe that the people in this country, whoever they are, should be free to pursue their traditional ways of life. I cannot see any justice in destroying the livelihoods of thousands of hard-working, law-abiding people by legislation.