July 13, 2024, 9:49 am | Read time: 4 minutes
King Charles III is actually considered a passionate protector of the environment and climate. Nevertheless, there are still some royal traditions in his kingdom that are not exactly animal-friendly. PETBOOK shows where the suffering of animals is particularly high in Britain’s royal family.
Since May 2023, Great Britain has officially been governed by a new king. At the coronation ceremony in London’s Westminster Abbey, Charles III wore an ermine-furred coat. The white fur of the great weasel has symbolized purity since medieval England. Several centuries later, real fur is faced with criticism, as its production leads to a great deal of animal suffering. But that isn’t the only example. This is how much animal suffering takes place in the royal traditions of England.
Foxhunting: officially banned, but still practiced
There is currently a culture war around the traditional fox hunt in England, which dates back to the 16th century. Hunting live foxes has, in fact, been legally banned since 2005. However, it is still permitted to follow an artificial scent trail on horseback with a pack of hounds. However, animal rights activists criticize that even so-called “legal trail hunting” causes harm to wild animals. The hunting dogs are distracted by the scent of real foxes, flush them out, and ultimately hunt them to death.1
Due to this legal loophole, hunters dressed in red are still able to indulge in their passion despite the ban. Incidentally, Charles is said to have threatened to emigrate years ago if fox hunting was completely banned in the UK2
Horse racing: a fast-paced, sometimes deadly sport
The late Queen Elizabeth II was known to be a great lover of horses. Not only was she a talented horsewoman, she also bred successful racehorses. As early as 1977, her mare, Dunfermline, won two important races. Her horse Estimate won the Golden Cup at the Royal Ascot races in 2013.3
However, the glamorous English horse races are no longer just known for the extravagant hats worn by spectators, but also for dramatic falls. The animal welfare organization League Against Cruel Sports has counted 62 dead horses since the year 2000. Last year alone, two horses died in the traditional Grand National race at Aintree. As a result, there were massive protests by animal rights activists and 118 arrests.
Dog breeding: Are the Queen’s beloved corgis an example of torture breeding?
In addition to her horses, the Queen also loved her corgis more than anything. The full name of this British dog breed is the Welsh Corgi Pembroke. Some animal rights activists consider it a product of torture breeding.
One problematic characteristic, for example, is the stumpy tail. The absence of a tail means that corgis cannot communicate well with other dogs. The long back and short legs can lead to health problems. Similar to the Dachshund, the Corgi tends to have back problems and can have difficulty walking and climbing stairs.4
Bearskin hats: Must it be real fur?
They are as much a part of London as Big Ben and Tower Bridge – the strikingly dressed guardsmen who guard Buckingham Palace. Traditionally, the soldiers of the Royal Guard wear red jackets and black bearskin hats. The latter are made from the fur of Canadian black bears.
Animal rights activists have long been calling for the real fur of the bearskin hats worn in England to be replaced with synthetic fibers in order to put an end to the suffering of these animals. Visually, this would not change anything. But it could put an end to the cruel bear hunting that is necessary to produce them.
In Canada, it is legal to hunt black bears with rifles, spears, or bows and arrow. Even spring hunting is possible in some Canadian provinces: during this time of year, it is not uncommon for mother bears to be shot, often resulting in the death of their cubs.5
Also interesting: This is how much animal suffering there is within cashmere wool production
Tower ravens: protectors with clipped feathers
Among the tourist attractions in the English capital are the ravens that allegedly protect the Tower of London. But why are ravens kept there?
According to legend, the millennia-old fortress would fall if the black birds were to leave the Tower of London – which would bring a great disaster to the entire kingdom. So ravens must always live on the historic site. For the purpose of this tradition in England, there is a great deal of animal suffering: to prevent the ravens from flying away, their wing feathers are clipped. Not so animal-friendly, is it?
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