The Fight for Foxes Takes Flight in the UK’s Wildlife Drone Wars

The battle between huntsmen and animal advocates has gone high-tech in the U.K., as hunt saboteurs are now using drones to film illegal wildlife killings. In response, hunters engaged in these crimes have begun deploying their own drones to attack the aerial devices capturing evidence of their activities.

All sixty of the U.K.’s hunt saboteur groups now use at least one drone to track the movements of fox hunts, with some teams operating multiple aircraft. The Wiltshire Hunt Saboteurs, who monitor the Duke of Beaufort Hunt, once frequented by members of the royal family, use four drones, including one equipped with three high-definition cameras capable of flying at nearly 50 mph.

This embrace of modern technology represents an innovative new way to protect wildlife and hold those violating the nation’s 2005 fox hunting ban accountable. Although hunters have occasionally succeeded in destroying or disabling drones, animal defenders have responded by crowdfunding newer and more advanced equipment. These efforts are truly making a difference. Last year, for example, drone footage led to the conviction of two men for hunting a fox with dogs in Stourpaine, Dorset.

Aerial surveillance has not only brought individual offenders to justice but has also exposed the broader truth that illegal fox hunting remains rampant nearly two decades after it was outlawed. Despite the law, loopholes such as so-called trail hunting continue to provide cover for cruelty, allowing hunts to proceed much as they did before the ban. Drone footage provides undeniable proof that the law still fails to protect foxes from being chased, torn apart, and killed for sport.

Encouragingly, momentum for reform is growing. Over the summer, a cross-party coalition of more than 50 MPs signed a joint letter to Daniel Zeichner, Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs, calling for urgent action on the issue.

With the government expected to open a public consultation on a trail hunting ban later this year, now is the time to keep the pressure on. The drones deployed by U.K. activists prove how modern technology can drive change and shine a light on cruelty, but only stronger laws can finish the job by closing loopholes and holding offenders accountable.

Add your voice today — or, if you already have, share our petition calling for a complete ban on trail hunting and help make fox hunting history.