RSPCA: Poll reveals hunting with dogs is not humane or acceptable
The survey was commissioned to coincide with the first ‘Boxing Day’ meets (Monday, December 27) to take place under the new coalition government since the hunting ban came into force in 2004.
It found that an incredible 79% of people asked thought the practice of chasing and killing a live animal with a pack of dogs was out of date with modern times.
Some 57% of respondents chose to describe the activity as ‘cruel’, while 47% called it ‘barbaric’.
Just 8% agreed that it was ‘acceptable’ and barely anyone, a mere 2%, thought it was ‘humane’.
The coalition government has promised a “free vote on a motion” on whether to repeal the Hunting Act 2004.
The RSPCA is extremely alarmed at this decision and believes those calling for repeal of this law are calling for a return to cruelty.
According to the poll, the public agrees with us. Nearly two-thirds of those asked, 63%, thought such a repeal would be a backward step for society.
David Bowles, RSPCA Director of Communications, said: “The Government has come to power with a mandate to have a fairer society.
“The overwhelming majority of the public have stated in no uncertain terms here that hunting with dogs belongs in the history books, and that a repeal of the Act would be a backward step for a modern and civilised society.
“We call on the government to listen to the public who find this barbaric ‘sport’ utterly unacceptable.”
The Hunting Act will celebrate its sixth anniversary in February 2011, and the RSPCA is delighted that it has proved to be an enforceable law which is an effective means of stopping cruelty.
Statistics released in September by the Ministry of Justice showed a surge in convictions under the Hunting Act, with 57 people convicted in 2009 – almost double the 33 in 2008. Despite dire predictions before it was introduced, many hunts have successfully adjusted to the new law, thereby keeping their hounds and preserving rural jobs.
Notes to editors:
*Hunting with dogs includes deer hunting, fox hunting, hare hunting, mink hunting and hare coursing.
**The polling was conducted online by YouGov who interviewed a nationally representative sample of 2,130 adults aged 18+ in the UK between 17 and 20 December 2010. The poll was commissioned by the RSPCA. The full tabulations of the poll can be found on the YouGov website.
Interviews are available on request from the press office on 0300 123 0244/0288.
RSPCA, Wilberforce Way, Southwater, Horsham, West Sussex RH13 9RS
Press office direct lines: 0300 123 0244/0288 Fax: 0303 123 0099
Duty press officer (evenings and weekends) Tel 08448 222888 and ask for pager number 828825
Email: press@rspca.org.uk Website: www.rspca.org.uk
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