1. Identify

Understand the welfare realities behind blood sports and the impact they can have on animals.

Blood sports

Blood sports may involve:

• Animals being intentionally injured or killed for recreation or competition

• Fear, stress, pain, and prolonged suffering before death

• Chasing, trapping, or cornering animals, causing extreme distress

• The use of dogs or other animals, placing multiple animals at risk of injury or death

• Disruption of wildlife populations and natural behaviours

• Raising or breeding animals specifically for fighting or hunting purposes in some activities

• Maiming & terrifying animals

Examples of blood sports

Blood sports take many forms around the world and often involve animals being pursued, injured, or killed for recreation, competition, or entertainment.

Examples include:

• Fox hunting

• Deer & bear hunting

• Trophy hunting

• Game bird shooting (pheasants, grouse and partridge)

• Bullfighting

• Cockfighting

• Dogfighting

2. Reflect

Consider what this means in relation to your own views and choices.

• How do I feel knowing animals may suffer for entertainment or sport?

• Have I considered the experience from the animal's perspective?

• Does tradition or cultural acceptance influence how I view blood sports?

• Can recreation justify causing fear, injury, or death to sentient animals?

• Would I feel differently if I witnessed these activities firsthand?

• Do my beliefs about compassion and respect for animals align with supporting or accepting blood sports?

3. Decide

Consider what steps feel realistic and meaningful for you.

Possible actions:

• Learn more about the welfare impacts of different blood sports

• Choose not to participate in or financially support activities that intentionally harm animals

• Support wildlife watching, photography, or other non-harmful outdoor activities instead

• Encourage conversations that promote compassion and respect for animals

• Support organisations working to improve animal welfare and wildlife protection

• Share accurate information to help others make informed decisions

• Reflect on how your choices can contribute to reducing unnecessary animal suffering

• Write to local, national, or international organisations, government bodies, or elected representatives to express your concerns about blood sports.