Fox hunting was banned in England and Wales in 2004 but trail hunting and allegations of illegal activity continue to generate welfare controversy.
Fox hunting with hounds caused welfare harm through the prolonged pursuit stress and killing method: foxes chased to exhaustion and then killed by hounds. Illegal fox hunting where it occurs causes the same welfare harm. Hounds themselves can be injured during hunts and are often euthanised when their working life ends rather than rehomed. Trail hunting that results in hounds following live foxes causes the same welfare impacts as traditional hunting. Effective enforcement of the Hunting Act requires resources and political will.