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Hunting of the red fox started in England as early as the 15th century. In 1420, Duke Edward published The Master of Game, targeting red foxes. In the years that followed, hunting parties organized, complete with dogs and horses.
By the mid 1500's, fox hunting for wealthy landowners had become an established past time. Homesick colonials settling the Americas tried to import the practice, but it never gained popularity.
A Huntsman taunts dogs with a dead fox
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Who is Involved
The Hunt Committee may comprise members who own horses, hounds and land, although hunts often invade private properties.
The Master is the leader of the group.
The Huntsman and his assistants (called "Whippers-in"), monitor the pack of 20 to 30 Beagle hounds.
The Terrier-man is responsible for destroying a fox which is too injured to continue running, or has gone into hiding.
A Sporting Chance?
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The Activity
Those responsible gather in the morning, with the hounds taken to an area of land setup by the committee. Those on horseback search for a fox, and once found, the large pack of dogs are called in to attack.
With horses, hounds and groups of "whippers-in", the fox is chased until she is caught by hounds and disemboweled alive.
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She becomes exhausted and can no longer run, possibly seeking refuge in a burrow. The "terrier man" is called to send in his dog, a fox terrier, to scare out the fox. She is then shot, then thrown to the pack of hounds.
The Aftermath
Some Good News
Fox hunting with dogs became a criminal offence in 2005. Click on the links below to learn how you can report offenders:
IFAW: About the Law, Enforcement, You can Help
Derbyshire Fox Rescue on Hunting
League Against Cruel Sports
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