§ Baroness Byfordasked Her Majesty's Government:
What action they are taking to control the increasing numbers of urban foxes; and [HL6210]
Whether catching urban foxes and releasing of them into rural areas is legal; if not, whether any such activity has been reported; and whether any persons engaged in such activity have been prosecuted. [HL621 11]
§ Lord Whitty:The control of foxes, whether urban or rural, is the responsibility of the owners and occupiers of the property where foxes present a problem.
There is no legislation specifically to prevent the capture and release of native animals such as urban foxes into the countryside, provided the person concerned does not contravene the legislation that provides general protection for wild mammals against cruelty and ill-treatment. In view of the significant welfare implications for the fox, the department does not recommend the use of relocation as a method of control. Anyone having first-hand evidence of fox relocation should report it to Defra.