Trail hunting day attacked as cover for illegal fox killing

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 22 Oct, 06:08 · Archive

Animal welfare campaigners have accused a national trail hunting day in Worcestershire of being a 'smokescreen' for illegal fox hunting despite a ban.

The League Against Cruel Sports has attacked a National Trail Hunting Day held at Bow Wood, Upton Snodsbury, near Worcester on Saturday as an attempt to deceive the public, police and government. The charity claims the day serves as a 'smokescreen' for the chasing and killing of foxes despite a legal ban. Hundreds of people, including families, attended the event.

The Worcestershire Hunt and British Hound Sports Association have rejected these allegations. Both organisations stated the claims were 'absurd', suggesting critics 'simply don't understand rural life'. Worcestershire Hunt said it had acted lawfully since the ban came into effect over 20 years ago.

The event was part of a 'Newcomers to Trail Hunting Week' organised by the Countryside Alliance and the British Hound Sports Association. Four flagship hunts participated, held simultaneously in Worcestershire, Northumberland, Suffolk and Devon.

The Hunt Saboteurs Association reports that six fox hunts and three hare hunts under BHSA jurisdiction have been convicted of illegal hunting since the start of last year. The League Against Cruel Sports cites figures showing 53 foxes seen being chased during the most recent cub hunting season beginning in August 2026.

How it is being reported

• 'Blood sport' trail hunting attacked as 'smokescreen' for killing foxesThe National Trail Hunting Day has been attacked by League Against Cruel Sports as smokescreen but Worcestershire Hunt leaders have criticised the claims as 'absurd'Malvern Gazette · 22 Oct, 05:01
• 'Blood sport' trail hunting attacked as 'smokescreen' for killing foxesThe National Trail Hunting Day has been attacked by League Against Cruel Sports as smokescreen but Worcestershire Hunt leaders have criticised the claims as 'absurd'Worcester News · 22 Oct, 05:01

In this story: League Against Cruel Sports · Worcestershire Hunt · British Hound Sports Association · Countryside Alliance · Worcestershire · Hunt Saboteurs Association

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