A host of celebrities have rallied to appeal for a ban on hunting to remain intact, joining Animal Defenders International (ADI) in a plea to politicians in England and Wales. Over 20 prominent individuals including Ricky Gervais, Jane Goodall, Morrissey and Stella McCartney called on politicians to block attempts by the Government to bring back what they describe as a “despicable blood sport”.



The letter from the celebrities states that, if passed, the amendment to the Hunting Act will render the legislation “toothless, allowing hunts to resume their cruel pastime with impunity.”



Animal Defenders International President Jan Creamer said, "The arguments for hunting were picked apart and defeated 10 years ago and to this day remain the same. This cruel blood sport must stay in the past where it belongs.”



Public opposition to hunting in the UK has remained consistently high for many years, since before the introduction of the Hunting Act over 10 years ago, and continues to rise. Latest figures state that 80% support a ban on fox hunting, 86% a ban on deer hunting and 88% a ban on hare hunting and 'coursing'.



The Hunting Act prohibits hunts across England and Wales from using a pack of dogs to flush out and chase a wild animal across the countryside to the point of exhaustion and ultimately to their death, either by the bullet or the jaws of the hounds. It is the most successful legislation of its kind, with 378 convictions since it was introduced. Similar legislation was introduced in Scotland two years prior to the Act being passed.



The Conservative Government has long expressed its desire to repeal the Hunting Act, with a free vote on the issue pledged in its 2015 election manifesto. However, instead of a free vote of Members of Parliament, the Government last week announced plans to amend the legislation instead. A vote was due to take place tomorrow afternoon but has been postponed in the face of likely defeat for the Government.



Although it has been stated that the proposed changes were to bring the Act in line with Scottish law, it would amount to a weakening of the legislation in England and Wales, which has stricter welfare measures currently in place.



Celebrities urgently rallied to join ADI in calling on Members of Parliament to block the proposed changes. Regarded as a repeal of the law in all but name, the legislative amendments would allow the return of hunting with a pack of hounds.



Studies show that fox populations are unaffected by hunting and their predation of farmed animals has a minimal impact. The use of hunting with hounds for ‘wildlife management’ is considered inefficient and inhumane.



ADI is a member of the Team Fox coalition founded by Brian May and which is united in the campaign to keep the hunting ban.