Countryfile: viewers slam bbc show for leaving out major item

Presenter Tom Heap discussed the rise in illegal bloodsports on Countryfile tonight, and how they could be directly related to social media and the rise in gambling. The BBC host is known

for his hard-hitting and thought-provoking segments on the BBC nature documentary programme. Tonight’s was no different, and left many viewers upset and in tears at the shocking images and

footage of hare coursing and cock fighting. However many also wondered why the presenter was talking about certain animal blood sports, and omitted perhaps the most well known one - fox

hunting. The sport was banned by the British government in 2004 with the Hunting Act, and is still illegal in England, Scotland and Wales today. The Act made “hunting wild mammals with a

pack of dogs (three or more) in the traditional style unlawful”, but it is still legal to hunt foxes in Northern Ireland. Taking to Twitter, viewers expressed their feelings on the subject.

“#bbc #countryfile How are the bloodsports you showed tonight any different from wealthy men shooting grouse or hunting foxes? Aren't all of these sports either equally abhorrent, or

equally acceptable?” one person asked. Another wrote: “@BBCCountryfile It is all very well cherry picking which bloodsports you deem deplorable but you should cover the main lawbreakers who

hunt foxes and deer with packs of out of control dogs. #countryfile.” “Angrier than I had expected at this point in the weekend #Countryfile,” a third shared. While a fourth agreed:

“#countryfile what about fox hunting, also illegal and be flouted by bloodthirsty scum bags….” “Hey, #countryfile @BBCCountryfile how about reporting on fox hunting? or are posh people

immune from being cruel to defenceless animals?? Whats the difference between tearing foxes apart to tearing hares or cocks apart?” a fifth wondered. And another added: “Mmmm. #Countryfile -

illegal hunting (hate coursing). How is this different to #foxhunting but appear to accept fox hunting. Please enlighten me.” Express.co.uk has contacted the BBC for comment. Other viewers

praised the programme for highlighting the bloodthirsty sports, and were heartbroken for all the animals involved, desperate for people to report any activities they see in the wild.

“Horrendous to see that cruel blood sports like hare coursing and cock fighting are still happening in 2019. Well done Tom Heap and Countryfile team for exposing this on this weeks programme

#countryfile,” one person praised. Another enthused: “Well done to BBC #Countryfile for exposing the rise in illegal blood sports like cock fighting and hare coursing supported by illegal

gambling #YouTube and #Facebook need to take action.” A third added: “I thought the #bloodsports feature on #Countryfile was excellent from @tomheapmedia. “But as you say ‘one rule for the

wealthy another rule for the rest’. Fox hunting. @michaelgove @theresecoffey.” The programme also included the birth of a lamb, in a heartwarming moment for the BBC programme. _COUNTRYFILE

CONTINUES NEXT SUNDAY ON BBC ONE._