IFAW: Hunters attending Boxing Day meets are warned they must act within the law

(London, December 22, 2009) – Hunters planning on attending Boxing Day hunts are being warned they must act within the law or face the consequences.

The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) issued the warning ahead of the annual festive hunt meets.

Robbie Marsland, UK Director of IFAW, said: “We have no problem at all with hunts meeting to enjoy a gallop through the countryside, over Christmas or at any other time, as long as this does not involve wild animals being cruelly chased and killed. The ‘traditional’ Boxing Day bloodbath, which saw foxes being ripped apart for human entertainment, is now illegal under the Hunting Act 2004. Hunts must remember and abide by this or risk prosecution.

“Despite many hunt supporters making prophecies of doom regarding loss of jobs, etc, as a result of the ban on hunting with dogs, this has not happened and the majority of the UK public support the ban being upheld. There must be no return to cruelty.”

Notes to Editors –

For more information or to arrange interviews please contact Tania McCrea-Steele on 07801 613520.

About the International Fund for Animal Welfare – As one of the world’s leading animal welfare organisations, IFAW has representation in 16 countries and carries out its animal welfare work in more than 40. IFAW works from its global headquarters in the United States and focuses its campaigns on improving the welfare of wild and domestic animals by reducing the commercial exploitation of animals, protecting wildlife habitats and assisting animals in distress. IFAW works both on the ground and in the halls of government to safeguard wild and domestic animals and seeks to motivate the public to prevent cruelty to animals and to promote animal welfare and conservation policies that advance the well-being of both animals and people. Visit www.ifaw.org