Last week, at the widely praised “Witness The End Of Hunting” launch event at the House of Commons, MPs, Peers, Ministers and representatives from several anti-hunting groups, including the HSA, heard an impassioned speech from naturalist Chris Packham as he took to the microphone to explain in real terms the importance of truly ending hunting in the United Kingdom.
Chris described in detail his love for foxes, ever since a fantastic encounter watching fox cubs early in his career which cemented their place in his heart. He explained to the audience of government representatives how deeply intertwined the complex issues and problems of British ecology are, and how foxes have become a totemic symbol in the fight against animal cruelty.
The difficulties of the natural world, are broad and far reaching. The impact that humans have had on the ecology of the British Isles is immense and yet the voice of the people that inhabit this country is clear – that saving that natural world is not just an important goal but in fact essential.
Fox hunting, Chris spelled out, is a “horrible, cruel, outdated, anachronistic hobby”. Getting rid of fox hunting completely and rapidly, as well as the badger cull, would be a hugely symbolic step in the right direction of saving the natural ecosystem in the UK. It would be a statement that Britain is ready to change the narrative, and state that we, in fact, genuinely are a nation of animal lovers.
Chris rounded off his speech by stating loudly and clearly his unwavering support for Hunt Sabs. “They are the ones that set their alarm clocks and go out in rain, shine or snow, often facing abuse , and lack of cooperation from the police. But they keep turning out, these people are brilliant”. He continued, “I absolutely stand here and salute the Hunt Sabs”.
The Hunt Saboteurs Association salutes Chris Packham in return, for his commitment to the end of hunting, for not being afraid to say so and for his continued passion and energy to our shared cause.
We are the only organisation that works directly in the field to save wildlife through direct action.
