Hunting with dogs (fox, hare, deer) is banned in England and Wales under the Hunting Act 2004 - welfare evidence underpins the ban and ongoing debates about its enforcement.
Hunt welfare evidence is substantial and was central to the Hunting Act's passage. The Burns Report found that fox hunting with dogs caused unavoidable suffering - fear during the chase, exhaustion, and the manner of death. Deer stag hunting caused prolonged exhaustion and distress during chases that could last hours. The welfare case for the ban is strong. Ongoing welfare concerns focus on enforcement - evidence of illegal hunting persists, and trail hunting has faced allegations of providing cover for illegal fox hunting. Supporting enforcement bodies and maintaining the Hunting Act protects wildlife welfare gains achieved after decades of campaigning.