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Arguments For Hunting

By: Sally Aquire - Updated: 11 Sep 2024 | comments*Discuss
 
Arguments For Hunting Fox Hunting Pro

Hunting (especially fox hunting) is a controversial issue. On the one hand animal rights groups protest that maiming and killing defenceless animals is inhumane. On the other hand, hunters argue that it is an essential part of traditional rural life, and that banning it altogether will collapse the infrastructure of life in the country. Here, we outline the arguments in favour of hunting.

“It’s Traditional”

Fox hunting became popular in the 18th century. Before that, hunting hares, wild deer and wild boars were the main blood sports in Britain, but the extinction of the wild boars and the almost extinction of wild deer turned attention to foxes instead.

“Protesters don’t Understand Hunting”

Hunters often argue that protesters don’t have any idea of what a hunt actually involves, even going as far as to say they only turn up after the hunt has finished. They suggest that those who are against hunting should take the time to understand the exact nature of hunting before they air their views.

“Hunting Gives Jobs”

According the League Against Cruel Sports (LACS), hunting provides jobs for around 750 people. Hunters argue that these people would be unemployed if hunting was banned. It’s not a huge amount in the grand scheme of UK employment, but it would undoubtedly be a big blow to those involved, who would obviously then need to find alternative ways to support themselves and their families.

The British Field Sports Society (BFSS) suggest that more than 750 would be out of a job, but not of all these would be strictly unemployed, as jobs like horse riding and providing riding equipment and services would still be in demand.

“Hunting is Natural”

Pro-hunters claim that hunting and other blood sports are inevitable because of our biological make-up. To them, death and suffering are an unavoidable part of life, and the foxes would die anyway.

“Meat Eaters Shouldn’t Oppose Hunting”

Hunters claim that if you eat meat, you have no right to offer arguments against hunting. As far as they are concerned, meat eaters who oppose hunting are hypocritical. There can be no doubt that animals are killed for meat, but not all forms of blood sport involve the hunted animals dying. Wearing leather and other materials that are made from animals can also be seen as hypocritical.

“The Animals don’t Suffer”

Pro-hunters reckon that foxes and other hunted animals don’t actually suffer during a hunt.

“Foxes Terrorise the Countryside”

Hunters argue that foxes are a nuisance and run amok in rural areas, killing and maiming large numbers of chicken and lamb. This is one of their arguments for why fox hunting in particular is so common in the countryside.

“A Hunting Ban Will be Impossible and Impractical”

The majority of the police are not trained to be able to police hunts, and so would not be in a position to make sure that no hunts take place anywhere in the UK.

These arguments are some of the main ones put forward by those in favour of hunting (particularly fox hunting) to justify why hunting is such as a common activity in rural areas. See our article entitled Arguments Against Hunting for the arguments put forward by those in favour of a total ban on hunting.

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jaz
jaz - 11-Sep-24 @ 9:41 AM
Continued Part 2 I have heard many times phrases such as: The beautiful Fox which we know and admire so well The worthy quarry against which we must pit ourselves True Country Folk only have the deepest admiration and respect for the Animals they see and know every day. I can't explain all the Moving Parts of Fox Hunting, of which I suspect there are many, in a Scientific way. I do know those who do it and I know how they think. Country Folk are by Nature quite conservative. Their lives are quite simple. They are far away from the depravities that appear more and more often in Modern Life. They are the last people who would be doing it out of some form of depravity or perversion which seems to be one of the main Attack Lines of those opposed to Hunting with Hounds. This line is just ridiculous. Actually I suspect all their arguments are ridiculous. Which is what leads me to believe that there are other things going on. And this is why I will fight against this Nonsense. I first realised things are probably not what they seem in 2006 and all my research since then supports this view. So is the ban on Fox Hunting actually part of something much bigger? Even if it isn't I will still campaign to reinstate Fox Hunting because for me it's one of the things that keeps the Countryside alive. I don't want to see a big dark grey blanket of nothingness descend upon the Countryside and I don't want the Spirit of This Nation to be Broken.
freddythefox - 3-Sep-24 @ 8:02 AM
As someone who researches many subjects my mind is turning to something most people probably haven't considered. It's possible that the powerful groups who mostly remain unseen are behind the ban on Fox Hunting. Firstly I should state that I am in favour of Fox Hunting with dogs. I don't hunt and I don't ride although I do know people who do. I support Fox Hunting because I feel a huge heavy dark depressing blanket of colourless dirge will descend on the land if Fox Hunting with dogs is banned. I feel it keeps the Countryside alive. And I feel that losing it will almost be like ripping the Soul out of the Nation. I wish both sides would simply be honest. I suspect those who hunt do it because it is exciting and rewarding. We can say "It's a Countryside tradition." And taking away that tradition will make the Countryside dull and unspectacular. It may even sap the Soul from those living in the Countryside to continue with their Work. Which brings me back to the start. We know that the WEF (World Economic Forum) which is very much linked to almost everything that happens these days, want to ban all meat consumption by 2050. We also know that another big plan in the Works is to install a One World Government (New World Order) with one language, religion, culture, set of laws, education system etc etc to make governing the World more watertight. Breaking the Spirit of the Nation could be a big part of that and indeed explains much that has been seen over the last 100-200 years. I see the ban on Fox Hunting as being akin to Breaking the Spirit of the Nation. As usual when all these "Groups" get involved it's often a sign that the Higher Powers are involved. This is why I support Fox Hunting. It has a practical element and also a recreational (some might say a Spiritual) element. I suspect the numbers of foxes actually killed by Hunting is relatively small and that those killed are mostly the sick or elderly. If you can make the argument that controlling Fox numbers is necessary then I suspect that killing with dogs is probably the best all-round option being cheaper, quick and efficient. I don't think those opposed to Hunting with dogs are being honest. There are many activities undertaken by Man of a similar nature: fishing in rivers and the sea, shooting birds, etc etc. Sometimes the dead animal is eaten which seems to provide a stronger justification. In the case of Fox Hunting the unusual factor is the element of Pest Control which is mixed with an element of Ritual / Ceremony. Do we really want our fields and moorlands to be purely reduced to sterile, politically correct spaces where those who REALLY understand the land, how it works and its Nature are ignored and sidelined, restricted in what they can and can't do in the spaces they know and love so well? These are not greedy people or lunatics whose lives depend on inflicting suffering on the animals they understand so well. I have heard many times phrases such as: The beau
freddythefox - 3-Sep-24 @ 7:55 AM
Think if I was a fox I would rather be given the chance to escape a pack of hounds than being shotno chance at all .
Tats - 16-Mar-23 @ 7:00 PM
i will find all you fox hunting stuck up pricks
mr happy - 29-Apr-19 @ 10:35 AM
I’ve lived in a city all my life but I support the hunters simply because the saboteurs are such as self righteous bunch of virtue signalling morons. They go on about fox hunting being illegal so they film and harass participants. Trying to enter the uk without a visa is illegal but they don’t go to Calais to film that, in fact I bet that bunch of jellyfish liberals approve of it. I want to support a hunt and go along where can I find my nearest and when is the season? By the way in my part of London foxes are a nuisance, no need to chase them the bggers face you down in the street!
Jackass - 10-Oct-18 @ 10:22 PM
Is it true that the hounds are horribly treated?There are a lot of reports that seem to indicate that the life of a foxhound is horrible.
sylvester - 9-Mar-18 @ 11:35 AM
Addressing the comment below..raising animals to be killed is far more disgusting that going out and hunting. Somethings whole existence, being trapped, fed non-nutritional food.. gathering disease from being in confined spaces with an abundance of animals, is better than a free animal living peacefully and freely up until its death? I don’t understand that logic?
AnthonyJ - 13-Feb-18 @ 3:52 PM
@Hepster. It's not quite the same though is it. Running after a terrified fox with hounds isn't the same as a humane rearing and killing of animals to eat. Foxes don't kill children by the way...
Not the Same - 2-Jan-18 @ 2:26 PM
i disagree fully. the animal suffers. end of
Iknowmorethanyou - 15-Sep-17 @ 1:57 PM
Why do you use 'bagged foxes' then? Why do some Hunts breed their own foxes in order to hunt them? Why do some Hunts breed foxes in order to throw live Cubs into the kennels in order to train up young hounds to give them the taste of blood and a scent to recognise? It's all recorded on film in case you're thinking of denying it all. Fox Hunting is done simply to enjoy the chase and the kill of an animal. Stop trying to dress it up.
mrschips - 20-Jul-17 @ 7:16 PM
From the strictly ethical environmental point of view there is no problem compared to the factory farming of animals, fox hunting is no worse. I wonder if this is why so many want to keep it, because what next? animal farming standards will be improved and pig farming could be banned... The problem with fox hunting is that it shows humans to be the creatures we are.In some ways the annual reminder of our cruelty, as the TV shows the boxing day hunts and those trying to disrupt events is not something that we really want. I suspect that a reintroduction of fox hunting is not in the rural communities interests, it will bring the spotlight back to cruel practices and inflame the sensitive townies further. Perhaps we should let sleeping dogs lie.
RedInToothAndClaw - 4-Jul-17 @ 11:02 AM
Higher.. . No fox us is chased for 5 hours!So Ignorant! The whole day lasts 5 hours but any one fox will only be chased for max 20 mins... more like 5 or 10. Read the vet report on animals being chased.. . They don't get stressed....nature gave themadrenalineand other hormonesto block out anything other than running. 85% of foxes get away....part of the aim of foxes is tospread them out around the countryside so tgey don't all breed in one place. Over 50% of foxes got rid of in culling are shot...but lots end up injured and the hunt simply picksthem up so they dont spend a week dying slowly. There is do much morr to hunting than people think
FRECKLESFIEND - 5-Jun-17 @ 4:13 PM
Imagine...suddenly you are running for your life.you dont know why, but they're trying to kill you.You are scared.They're catching up fast.You're running slower now.Then suddenly your life flashes before yuor eyes.Yuo see your children,alone and scared.Then BANG! Yuo fall.
Electric blue - 17-Feb-17 @ 6:44 PM
Yes,foxes have been a cause of injury in the past.Yes, protestors against fox hunting have caused injuries. yes, hunting does bring a rider closer to their horse.But No ,those foxes don't see being hunted as a sport.They actually feel the pain of a bullet lodged in their body.
Electric blue - 17-Feb-17 @ 6:37 PM
I hate fox hunting. The fox NEVER has a chance to get away. A cow being led to slaughter has (hopefully) lived a carefree and happy lifestyle. It will be pain free when it humanly dies and the meat will be used. A fox will get terrorised as it gets chased for up to 5 hours by sad little men and women on horses who obviously can’t participate in any proper sport where their opponent has a chance at winning. The dogs who will most probably have been mis-treated will eventually get the fox and tear it apart to shreds. Explain to me where the benefit in this is? Except for making the men think they are big and strong where they lack these features in .... other areas. It’ll be a sport when the fox has a horse, a gun and a pack of bloodthirsty dogs to fight back at you. I say to people who like fox hunting - Get into a proper sport and stop being such a coward!
tigger - 10-Feb-17 @ 1:31 PM
we are against the idea of fox hunting because what the heck have the poor animals ever do to you? naff-all!
conka - 21-Jul-16 @ 1:56 PM
I completely understand the points of view of anti-hunt supporters, why would people kill animals for fun? How can they enjoy this? What about animal rights? Well, fox hunting is part of our culture, England is slowly losing its cultural identity. I personally would love to see a repeal to this act! I don't hunt, nor would I want to, but since the hunting act has been in place I have seen far more 'tame' foxes around the country side, foxes are losing their instinctive fear of humans which, ironically, keeps them alive! Also, dedoite the repeal many many foxes are still being killed but through more torturous means, they are shot and bleed to death (as a one shot kill is hard on a moving target) or wait for infection, caught in trapsor snares and wait in terror for their assailants to arrive or are poisoned and die in excruciating pain. Please tell me how these can be perceived as more humane than a quick death, after a chase which gave the fox the chance to live? Furthermore, fox numbers are on the rise which means more farm animals and pets are at risk, where is the animal welfare for these the beasts prey? More foxes now will die of infection and disease which can easily be passed on to live stock and enter our food chains. People demand free range eggs, so do I, but so many chickens and other poultry have become victims to the harmless and supposedly innocent fox that poultry farmers are on the decline, where will we get our eggs from when they are all gone? We huntedall of the foxes predators and are living with the consequences, but to ban fox hunting is a mistake. It is a way of country life that creates local jobs, provides a day out where spread-out communities can join together and celebrate. To remove the kill is mocking their culture, just because you may live in a city does not put you above us. We are all equal and if this ban doesn't affect you, please stay out of it. The fact that a repeal is supported by the Countryside Alliance and the RSPB says a lot. An increase in fox numbers will decrease species diversity across the countryside. At the end of the day the fox is charming and charismatic, but don't let that fool you as it is a ruthless killer underneath.
Foxy - 10-May-16 @ 9:19 PM
I'm ashamed you're a part of the human race also Mr. Johnny_Wishbone. Why wouldn't they post your RANT, you not going to to more than complaint with words, so it changes nothing and gives us a laugh. Hunting keeps certain species from starving and protects livestock so you can have your hamburgers. Also, most hunters DO eat what they kill, I ALWAYS do. ??
B.A. - 24-Feb-16 @ 11:24 AM
I by hunting fox with dogs they die in the same manner as their prey, only fair I believe. They go down with their honor intact. I don't agree with the gentleman's comment on putting dogs on badgers though, unless you don't care much for your dogs. They thick hide, very sharp teeth, and can Easily win a battle against a couple of hunting dogs.
B.A. - 24-Feb-16 @ 11:11 AM
I don't participate in fox hunting but I understand the need for rogue foxes to be dispatched. What I don't understand is the anti-hunt argument that we must ban fox hunting because it is cruel and inhumane to hunt with dogs.In my previous experience it is actually the quickest way to kill.BUT where are all these ANTI's protesting that ratting is cruel?Rats are hunted with dogs but there are no SABs fighting for the rat.If hunting with dogs is cruel why not shout out for the rats?....Ahhh yes, but rats carry disease....They do but the validity of the 'cruelty' argument has gone if its ok to kill rats but not foxes. Badgers also carry disease... so where does the argument go from there.From my understanding Hunting foxes with dogs is cruel Hunting rats with dogs is ignored because they carry disease Badgers carry disease too but 'that's different' What does make my blood boil though is SABs thinking that they have the right to viciously attack people who have used their human rights to participate for whatever reason in a legal pursuit.The SABs have injured and occasionally killed hounds and horses alike (so their animal welfare argument is out of the window again) but they provoke and incite violence while hiding their identities through balaclava wearing.They hide because what they do is illegal and they wish to avoid prosecution for their crimes.
balance - 14-Feb-16 @ 11:11 AM
I want fox hunting to stay because it is fun and its also traditional.its also good for young horses to gain confidence. it helped my young pony gain confidence
jess is for fox hunt - 2-Dec-15 @ 3:21 PM
I'm a rider myself but would never participate in a fox hunt.I might consdier hunting some overweight, unfit "red coats" though...from what I've seen, most around here are appallingy poor riders and show little consideration for their own mounts - I'm sure there's a few who are decent riders but most I've seen seem to think that leaning back equates a good seat - sit tall, shoulders back! I've seen hunters returning from their bloodsport with horses bleeding at the mouths.I've seen the scars on horse's sides from misuse of spurs.There is little the pro-hunting lobby can suggest to make me, an experienced rider, think that this is nothing but bad taste, pure and simple - to get one's jollies from another animal's distress is disturbing, to say the least and, frankly, these moral reprobates are poor ambassadors for the great many of us who love our gentle steeds and, indeed, all animals.Foxes are clearly in great distress and for what? Sport?Sorry chappies, if your sport is another's suffering, you are ethically bankrupt and a moral coward to boot, presenting that load of nonsense in feeble attempt to justify your cruelty.One wonders what else you might do, for sport, when no one was watching, eh?What's next? Pushing cats into wheelie bins when you think no one can see?Besides there are now such things as dry hunts, which are exactly the same...save for one difference...a fox doesn't get ripped to shreds at the end...one does not require Holmesian powers of deduction to realise that pro-hunting groups are in this solely to see the vulnerable animal being ripped to pieces.Despite being told not to, a local hunt trepassed on my land, ruining one of my fields.Bunch of yobbish louts, if you ask me.There is nothing gentile about fox hunting.A savage action undertaken by savage people.To those against hunting, please remember that many equestrians equally find this bloodsport sickening.Oh, to be a low hanging branch in the woods when they pass...
thebaldavenger - 4-Nov-15 @ 2:07 AM
@Dan. You can still get wild deer and wild boar in Britain. The difference between deer/boar and foxes is that they make good food - can't say that about foxes. Will it really matter if foxes become extinct? They are mostly predators and do not have any natural predators to worry about themselves (hence human involvement). Agree there must be a more humane way of hunting them and better rules in place for doing so (just as there are with boar and deer).
J14 - 16-Jul-15 @ 12:43 PM
And I'm not a Tory or posh or rich.
Duh - 14-Jul-15 @ 8:38 PM
I wouldn't want to be hunted down by a pack of dogs and ripped apart. But I eat meat, I wear leather, I wouldn't want to be raised in a shed all my life and sent to the slaughter house with my siblings either - my point is, if you eat meat or use any products that contain animal parts or were tested on animals, don't be so bloody hypocritical!!!!! Duh. Also, it is legal for farmers and gamekeepers to use a couple of dogs to flush out a fox to shoot. I'd rather a quick death-by-dog than shot in the back leg and limp around the countryside slowly getting weaker. Which is what happens .. If (if because often the fit foxes get away) the fox is caught by the dogs, it always dies relatively fast. But foxes that get shot often DON'T die straight away and either starve or slowly die from their injuries. To all those who talk about lock chickens and lambs in so the foxes can't get at them, right okay... give a hungry fox a few inches gap or weak fencing, they'll be in there. A fox will enter, say, a chicken pen . It will kill ALL the chickens. It will eat or take 1 or 2 chickens. One more point to people who think we'll hunt foxes into extinction, they BREED LIKE RABBITS. You non-rural people should go and see where your meat and vegetables comes from and the procedures involved. If you don't like the idea of fox hunting you would not eat meat again. Hypocritical fools.
Duh - 14-Jul-15 @ 8:35 PM
Fox hunting represents a tiny part of the rural economy, enjoyed by an even tinier minority of people. Most of us think the sport is morally indefensible, so why are the Tories trying to repeal the ban? It's a testament to the unequal distribution of power (i.e. money) in this country that there is any discussion at all on this point.
Tom - 14-Jul-15 @ 11:21 AM
'wild deer and wild boars were the main blood sports in Britain, but the extinction of the wild boars and the almost extinction of wild deer turned attention to foxes instead'. After hunting one species to extinction and one to near extinction, do you not think the same will happen to foxes? Damn you people are stupid.
Dan - 12-Jul-15 @ 6:24 PM
Lynn said "Just a reminder that "Foxes are vermin" for those that seem to forget!" You're vermin :) See, it's a meaningless statement. We can decide what we call vermin and our definition of it and then use that subjective position as fact to prove our own case. Hunting and killing things isn't very nice. Even if at times necessary, but the very fact you have no compassion or empathy for another living creature, the very fact you think you are better than a fox, makes my statement accurate. There are very few things invented in the 1700s that cannot be improved on or changed. We weren't a very friendly lot back then. Did you know, when 'sport' hunting like this became popular, we were still burning witches...funny eh...perhaps we should carry on with that tradition as well.
Lazy Fat Wizard - 18-Jun-15 @ 10:22 AM
Fox hunting has absolutely nothing to do with controlling the fox population. In fact the last thing any hunt wants is a reduction in fox numbers, then there would be fewer foxes for them to hunt. The discovery of sixteen fox cubs being kept in a barn, specifically to be hunted nails the lie.
ecky - 14-Jun-15 @ 12:54 PM
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