MFHA - (Masters of Foxhounds Association)

Online Stud Book

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The online studbook is available to members of the MFHA and others, from all countries, who are involved in the breeding of stud book foxhounds. Apply to the MFHA for access with this form.

Hunt Staff Benefit Society

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The Hunt Staff Benefit Society (HSBS) provides personal pension schemes specifically for hunt staff. Find out more about how to join the HSBS, or how to support the HSBS through various Fund Raising intiatives.

UK Vets oppose hunting ban

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According to the largest and most detailed survey of its kind, which was published in the Sunday Telegraph on 14th October, a large majority of UK veterinary surgeons have agreed that a ban on hunting would be damaging to animal welfare. The survey represents 5% of the Royal College and has been divided between rural and urban practices.

The principal findings of the survey are:

  • 63% of rural vets oppose a ban on hunting on welfare grounds. Only 30% support a ban.
  • On the subject of the Government's last Hunting Options Bill 66% of rural vets supported hunting with dogs subject to statutory regulation (32%), or self-regulation subject to independent supervision (34%). Only 24% of those questioned supported the 'total ban' option.
  • That 79% of rural vets considered that fox control was necessary in rural areas, only 15% saying that it wasn't.
    That 52% of those questioned described their practise as serving a predominantly rural area. 38% describing theirs as 'urban'. 10% did not know.

    • Simon Hart of the Countryside Alliance Campaign for Hunting welcomed the findings: “This is a significant survey as it takes account of nearly 5% of members of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.

    “The overwhelming finding of this survey is that the veterinary profession opposes a ban on hunting on the basis that it is likely to increase animal suffering rather than reduce it, a fact that politicians simply must not ignore. In rural areas the emphasis on opposition is even greater than anywhere else. However it is interesting to note that opposition to a ban is still significant (55%) even taking into account urban vets too. Also it was significant to see that the huge majority of vets, particularly vets in rural areas, agreed that there is a need for culling foxes in their areas.

    “We are therefore not talking about if foxes need controlling, but how. It is therefore the responsibility of politicians to promote best practise and the findings of this report suggest that more often than not, the use of dogs is a legitimate method”.

    EndsÂ…

    Notes to Editors:
    The poll was carried out by NOP Consumer between the dates 9th - 19th July 2001. One thousand interviews took place amongst a random selection of vets (all members of the RCVS). The purpose of this study was to explore the views of vets towards hunting.

    For further information, please contact Simon Hart on 07801 251750