Foxhunters will also claim the death of a fox is swift and painless ‘…a quick nip on the back of the neck and it’s all over…’ if only.
The picture of a dead fox killed by hounds on 8th April 2000 is attached to this essay. A post-mortem examination of the animal revealed the following: “Radiographic study indicates no bone damage in the vertebrae of the neck…the skin and muscular tissues of the lower abdomen have been destroyed…” this means the fox’s death was caused by ‘…profound trauma by repeated dog bite.’
It known how long it takes a fox to die once caught by hounds – but evidence suggests it is not instantaneous. If the fox escapes by going to ground, it will commonly have the terrier men to contend with.
For instance, one such fox was attacked underground by a single terrier before being shot by the terrier man. The fox’s post-mortem revealed: “…multiple bite wounds on the face and head…damage to the right eye… bite wounds on neck…” The report states the unfortunate animal required two shots from a .22 calibre pistol to kill it.
Evidence also shows the suffering endured by hunted foxes is not confined to the moment of death.
The chase itself sometimes lasts an hour or more, during which time the fox runs itself to the point of exhaustion.
Some chases are artificially prolonged by “earth-stopping” to prevent the fox going to ground. This is done to ensure a lengthly chase, or, from the hunters point of view “A good day’s hunting.”
The R.S.P.C.A’s definition of foxhunting is startlingly simple: ‘…the cause of unnecessary suffering…’
I believe the above post-mortem findings are proof enough of the suffering endured by foxes in hunts.
Much of this evidence was submitted to the Burns Inquiry, which shows foxes are not a significant agricultural pest nationally (where foxes are deemed a pest, isn’t shooting a more efficient and selective method of control? It is widely held to be more humane!)
The R.S.P.C.A also believes the hounding and killing of wild animals is cruel and unacceptable in our civilised society.
Polls constantly show 7/10 people want to see foxhunting banned, that’s 70% of the country!
I acknowledge that if foxhunting were to be banned, 6,000-8,000 jobs would be lost. I also acknowledge the people that possess specialist skills in the hunt would come across difficulty in finding new jobs, many horses and hounds would be needlessly destroyed and hunt’s kennels would have no further use.
After much consideration I believe the Government should invest in ‘drag hunting’ as an artificial alternative to hunting wild foxes. Drag hunting involves hounds and riders following an artificially laid scent or scent placed on a human runner. Although, the Government might have to consider introducing a payment system to persuade farmers to let drag hunters use their land, it will prevent unnecessary cruelty and suffering to wild foxes.
By Natalie MacDonald, H.B 13
