Fox hunting with hounds was banned in England and Wales in 2004. The welfare debate continues as trail hunting and alleged illegal hunting remain contentious issues.
Fox hunting welfare involves both the acute suffering of hunted foxes and the ongoing debate about enforcement of existing legislation. The welfare case against hunting that results in fox deaths from hound injuries is clear. The political debate concerns enforcement of the existing ban and the extent to which trail hunting provides cover for illegal activity. Supporting enforcement of existing law is the primary welfare advocacy action.