In the U.K., a group of people who hunt foxes wants hunting to be a protected belief. They are trying to use the law that protects people from discrimination because of things like age, race, or religion. Fox hunting has been illegal in England since 2005. In this type of hunting, dogs chase and kill foxes. Most people in Britain (80%) want to keep it illegal because they think it's cruel to animals.
Ed Swales, a supporter of hunting, started a group called Hunting Kind in 2022. He wants hunting to be seen as a belief that needs protection under the law. This would be similar to how beliefs like atheism and veganism are protected. Swales plans to use anti-discrimination lawsuits to change the law and allow hunting with dogs again.
Hunting itself is not illegal in England. People can hunt some animals like deer, rabbits, and ducks, but they need permission from the landowner and a gun license.
Some people, like Josh Milburn, a lecturer in animal rights, think this new plan is just a distraction. He believes that the debate should focus on the animals, not the hunters. Many people also feel that fox hunters, often wealthy, do not need extra protection.
In the past, courts have not supported fox hunters. In 2007 and 2009, judges said that fox hunting does not deserve special protection under human rights law.
Swales believes it’s important to act now to protect hunting traditions. He thinks hunters should do more than just complain about the laws.
Adapted from New York Times
Multiple Choice Questions:
1. What is the main goal of the group started by Ed Swales, called Hunting Kind?
A) To make fox hunting a popular sport
B) To get hunting with dogs recognized as a protected belief
C) To ban all types of hunting in the U.K.
D) To increase the number of hunting dogs
2. Why do most people in Britain want fox hunting to remain illegal?
A) They think it is a waste of time
B) They believe it is harmful to the environment
C) They think it is cruel to animals
D) They believe it is too expensive
3.According to the text, what has been illegal in England since 2005?
A) All types of hunting
B) Hunting without a license
C) Hunting with guns
D) Hunting with dogs to chase and kill foxes
4. Which animals are people still allowed to hunt in England, according to the text?
A) Foxes and wolves
B) Deer, rabbits, and ducks
C) Bears and tigers
D) All wild animals
5. What do some people think about the new plan to protect hunting as a belief?
A) It is a great idea
B) It is a distraction from the real issue
C) It is already supported by the law
D) It will definitely work
True or False Questions:
1. Fox hunting has been legal in England since 2005.
True/False
2. Ed Swales started Hunting Kind in 2022 to protect the tradition of hunting with dogs.
True/False
3. Hunting Kind wants hunting to be protected under the same laws that protect against discrimination based on age, race, or religion.
True/False
4. Courts have always supported the rights of fox hunters to hunt with dogs.
True/False
5. Some people believe that fox hunters, who are often wealthy, need special protection.
True/False
Download the full document to see the answer key.
Comments