Hosted by Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle, the event was attended by MPs and Lords and representatives from over 120 businesses across the UK, which have all signed up to the pledge advocating for the abolishment of brutal blood sports. This pledge is the first of its kind in the UK, costs nothing to join, and anyone who signs up will have a direct impact on the protection of animals from cruel sports.

The event began with several talks discussing the importance of helping out those who need protection, wild animals, and I couldn’t help but think of one celebrity who openly lambasts trophy hunters every chance he gets: Ricky Gervais (I agree). What followed was an assortment of delicious vegan dishes, wine, and networking with very adamant individuals from all over the UK, determined to protect our friends in the wild.

I had the fortune of sitting down with Deputy CEO, Chris Luffingham, to hear more about the organisation, and his quest to rid the UK of senseless killing.

Chris: Firstly, it is not easy to determine who is an active supporter of blood sports, but it is easy to see who has taken the pledge against it, and that’s what we’re working towards. We give businesses the chance to make a clear commitment, showing their customers that they are actively making an effort in bringing light to these barbaric rituals.

Anton: For the uninformed listener, how long has this been going on and what are the main animals who get hunted?

Chris: Fox hunting has been a staple of British culture for centuries, but we are encouraging the government and political parties to end hunting in this country. Scotland has banned it, so we’re hoping to ban it over here too. We are now in the 21st century, and we should demonstrate our morality by ceasing such activities simply for the act of sport. It serves no purpose hunting and killing foxes, hares, etc.

Anton: How long have you been with the organisation?

Chris: I’ve been with them for six years, and it’s always been something I’ve always had a passion for so when the opportunity came up I wanted to take an active role, move the organisation forward, and deliver a country free from hunting for sport. In the six years I’ve been here we’ve seen gradual progress, but post Covid the momentum has really picked up. We’ve seen major broadcasters take a major interest, and it is politically important, it stirs up a lot of emotion and deep seeded feeling. The anti-hunt side is vastly larger than the pro-hunt side, yet it’s them who protest the most and get around the law. I wouldn’t be surprised if we start seeing some major loop holes closed, and hopefully ending hunting for good.

Thank you so much for having me, and thank you for making an effort to protect those who need it!