Every year thousands of animals die as a direct result of ‘sport’ and this means that organisations such as the League Against Cruel Sports need support and donations to help save animals from such cruelty.
One of the most high profile coups for animal lovers all over the country was the introduction of the Hunting Act, which came into force in 2005 and put a stop to hunting with hounds: the Act has helped reduce the number of foxes harmed by hounds dramatically.
However, now is not the time for campaigners to rest on their laurels as environmental agencies have reported that fox hunting is still going on and hunters are stepping up the campaign to repeal the Act, badgering politicians and trying to gather support for a new vote on hunting.
Fox hunting is a controversial issue which has provoked debate around kitchen tables and pub bars all over the country for years; when the act was introduced, opinion polls revealed overwhelming support for the end of hunting. Unfortunately, pro-hunting groups are gathering momentum which is why groups that support animals and campaign for animal rights are eager to bring people together to nullify their voice and ensure that hunting is banned for good.
Another so-called sport currently attracting attention is dog fighting, an illegal activity which sees owners pit their dogs against others in a fight; this can result in severe injuries and often death for both dogs. Dog fighting has been illegal since the 19th Century, yet statistics show that it is becoming increasingly popular and a worrying new trend is emerging, where owners encourage their dogs to take on foxes.
The life of a fighting dog is a far cry from that of a cherished pet and worlds away from the adage that describes dogs as ‘mans’ best friend’. The dogs are groomed for fighting, shown no love or affection and often trained using painful methods that border on the barbaric. Despite the fact that dog fighting is illegal, owners are unfazed about breaking the law and continue to flout it and endanger the lives of perfectly innocent dogs in the process.
Bullfighting is another contentious issue for animal rights groups. A cruel sport often associated with Spanish tradition, bullfighting matadors are often hailed as celebrities and heroes by baying crowds as they take on bulls in a fight that is designed to favour the human competitor. Bullfighting has already been banned in several countries and once considered an integral part of Spanish culture, the sport has now been banned in Catalonia and groups are campaigning for the rest of Spain to follow suit.
What you can do
If reading about cruel sports and animals dying needlessly compels you to feel angry, distressed or upset, you can show your support for animals by backing campaigns and joining the effort to save the animals by putting a stop to pursuits, which endanger, injure and kill them. Animal rights groups work tirelessly to protect animals and try to bring justice to those who flout the rules, but they need more support and donations to enable them to continue in their quest to make the world a safer place for animals.
Hunting has already been banned, there are signs that bullfighting is becoming less accepted and organisations are working to reduce the popularity of dog fighting, but more needs to be done to facilitate the success of these campaigns: showing your support could make a huge difference.
Animals are living in squalid conditions, being treated horrifically and dying, all in the name of sport, but you can help to end their plight by standing up for animal rights and lending your support to the charities and organisations that work to protect them.
