Hundreds of hunting supporters attended the traditional Boxing Day meet in Tiverton, Devon, despite the local council and TV presenter Chris Packham declaring the event "not welcome." The Tiverton Town Council had voted to express that the hunt meet was unwelcome, with Packham previously calling the event "ethically and morally bankrupt." Despite these objections, the Tiverton Foxhounds proceeded with their meet, which has taken place outside the Half Moon pub for approximately 200 years. Kelvin Thomas, representing the Tiverton Foxhounds, addressed the crowd, vowing to continue the tradition next year and suggesting Packham should focus on his own job rather than "rural issues." Around 50 protesters also gathered with placards and a cutout of Packham.
The event also occurred amidst a broader debate about trail hunting, with hunt supporters planning to oppose Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer's proposal to ban it. The government contends that trail hunting is often used as a cover for illegal foxhunting, though groups like the Countryside Alliance defend it as a legal activity that complies with the Hunting Act 2004 and contributes significantly to the rural economy. Leaders from various hunts across the country expressed their determination to fight the proposed ban, framing it as an attack on British cultural heritage and rural communities. Animal rights groups, however, welcomed the proposed ban, with Protect the Wild stating that Boxing Day hunts aim to normalize cruelty towards wildlife. A public consultation on the ban is expected in early 2026.
