Black Foxes UK

The Call to Legislate Fox Keeping

Petition -  To call for licensing and legislation for the breeding and keeping of foxes,  (Silver fox and fox cub  aged approx. 6-8 wks)

"Foxes are victims of the exotic pet trade and sadly as these animals are exempt from protection of The Animal Welfare Act, this trade is unlicensed and unregulated. Fox cubs are being sold as novelty pets as young as 4 weeks of age, with no consideration of their well-being. 

This petition is for the new Labour Government to review and reform the laws and legislation around the keeping and breeding of exotic animals so that there is legal protection to prevent the selling of fox cubs under 8 weeks of age and to ensure that until this age the cubs stay with their mother in a safe and enriching environment where they have space to express their natural behaviours." - End Fox Breeding

While we welcome regulation on the keeping of silver foxes, Black Foxes UK and its volunteers would hope that those seeking real and positive change would want our opinion as an informal authority on the topic. We have been raising awareness of the need for regulation to protect the silver fox since 2015 and our scientifically-backed minimum standards make us expert witnesses for any claims of welfare breaches.

We would also like to assure people that captive foxes are not exempt from the Animal Welfare Act. However, this is not sufficient for their needs alone and gets complicated because we incorrectly consider silver foxes native wildlife. The law is applied differently to native wildlife compared to captive animals. 

The Main Points On The Quoted Petition:

• Change.org is not a platform useful for making any legislative changes in the UK. While honourable, such petitions need to be careful not to harm wildlife rescue. Foxes are not loved by all and many would love to ban rescues and sabs from assisting them. 
• Misinformation about silver foxes does not help their kind. We hope more will strive to understand what these foxes really are and what it is we have done to them. They are not the same as our native wild fox, despite legalities. Science and politics often collide but the truth still stands.
• The problems caused by exotic pets is what happens when the Government, zoos and rescues agree to relax DWA laws, dropping fur farm and exotic animals from the schedule, providing zero infrastructure for their care once they could be legally bred and kept (2000-2007). 
• Regulation worked until it was removed. Exotic pet keeping should be regulated. It is better to push the hobby to small zoos, where they can educate about the fur trade and their endangered status in the wild, rather than to ban them, inevitably creating an unregulated illegal trade, as we know prohibition does (claiming they are wild foxes that could not be released). 
• If you ban the keeping of the red fox in captivity, rescues could end up unable to assist our wild foxes, as they are considered the same species.We must be very careful about what changes get brought in and conscious of how they might be altered over time. A ban on keeping 'vulpes vulpes' could spell disaster. The fur farming ban partly created this current problem. 
• The legal complications involved with silver foxes is why rescues cannot always act to assist them, as there are no laws or regulations being broken. On top of this, feral silver foxes are also seen as native wildlife, not lost pets, and because there is currently no way to prove a fox's captive bred status, it means the fox must be injured before they can be caught, creating more issues as a result.

To quell noted concerns in the petition;

Weaning in foxes begins as early as 3-4 weeks and they are fully weaned by 6-8 weeks (much sooner than cats or dogs at 10-12 weeks), they should remain with their mother and litter until then, unless the mother is a risk of harming them. They can also go through 2 phases of aggression before and after weaning, where cubs can near kill each other in dominance battles, novice breeders may panic too soon. Fox socialisation windows close at around 6 weeks of age (8 weeks for scientifically domesticated foxes), about the same as feral cats, shorter than the 12-16 weeks for dogs.

For their welfare they require the ability to bond with their keepers and to adjust to their new homes while they still can, this will impact their entire lives and can make a world of difference to their welfare. 6-8 weeks is the age recommended for the move to their new homes (later is better but this is not always suitable). These are not domesticated cats and dogs to apply the same logic, we must apply the knowledge we know of silver foxes.

What Do We Need To Do To Protect Foxes?

• Correct Taxonomic Classification: We need silver foxes recognised as the non-native, domesticated species they are, first and foremost. In order to protect silver foxes, native foxes and fox rescues.
• Provide Regulations and Licensing: We need silver foxes and the exotic animals that were removed from the DWA schedule in 2007, under a new version of the legislation, suited specifically for them.
• Improve Parallel Services: It would also help in the process of updating regulations, if wildlife rescues and exotic pet rescues were also regulated during the process, to ensure professional and ethical conduct.

Licensing these animals correctly will allow the smaller zoo's to focus on educating on the history of fur farming and the consequences of the trade, providing these exotic species a regulated and controlled place within society. Current keepers and animal rescues can then be brought under the new regulations and given a year to comply with vetting requirements.

All new ventures would have to pay a fee for licensing application and vetting moving forward and those found acting without license or in breach of a license, could be fined. The money raised can then be used to provide the current infrastructure that is lacking. As a nation of animal lovers, it is the least we could do for them after all they have done for us.

What Are Your Proposed Regulations?

In the UK, all red foxes (vulpes vulpes) are classified as native wildlife but this is not the case for the domesticated North American Silver fox (vulpes vulpes fulva), which is a non-native domesticated species and a different subspecies to the native wild fox (vulpes vulpes crucigera).

By classifying the silver fox as a defined species and licensing the keeping and breeding of them, trade in this species will be limited but wildlife rescues will be able to continue to assist native wild foxes without being restricted by such regulations. 

We propose the silver fox is reclassified as vulpes fulva (as it was originally classified before 1959), or as vulpes vulpes fulva, (as per its modern taxonomic classification), for the purpose of regulations and that the keeping and breeding of silver foxes should require a specific license and permit from the local council.

The purpose being, to protect the welfare of these animals and to prevent the escape of these animals into the wild, where they could potentially cause problems for the ecosystem and native fox populations.

To obtain a license to keep a fox, there would be several criteria that needed to be met:

• Age Limit: The applicant must be over 18 years old to keep or breed silver foxes.
• Resource Requirements: Additionally, they must have adequate facilities, such as a secure enclosure, to house the fox safely; a vet willing to treat it and insurance to cover emergencies. 
• Qualification and Experience: The local council will also need assess the experience and knowledge of the individual, to ensure they are capable of meeting the animals unique vulpine needs.

Applicants would be required to:

• Research The Needs of Silver Foxes: Research is crucial to understand the specific needs and requirements of foxes in captivity. This includes their diet, habitat, social needs, and legal obligations.
• Contact The Local Council: The local council would detail the specific requirements for obtaining a license in your region, providing information on the application process and the fees that may apply.
• Secure An Appropriate Enclosure: Foxes need a highly secure and spacious enclosure to meet their needs. Minimum requirements would be stipulated. The enclosure must be escape-proof and provide ample space for the fox to move around and exercise and with plenty of species-specific enrichment.
• Demonstrate Experience and Knowledge: The local council would assess the applicants experience and knowledge in caring for foxes. This may require providing evidence of previous experience with wildlife or similar animals, details of training courses attended or and provision of qualifications.
• Submit An Application To Keep or Breed Silver Foxes: Once an applicant meets all the requirements, they can submit their application to the local council for assessment. This would typically include completing a form, providing supporting documentation and paying an application fee.
• Undergo Facility Inspection: After an application is submitted, a representative from the local council would need to visit the establishment to inspect the enclosure and assess its suitability for housing a fox. They may also interview the applicant to further assess their knowledge and experience.
• Await The Licensing Decision: The local council would evaluate the application, taking into consideration the inspection report and any qualifications. They would then decide whether to grant the a license to keep or breed silver foxes. This process could potentially take several months. 

Stipulations of the license would include:

• Requirement of Notification - Escapes: Immediate reporting to local authorities if a silver fox escapes. Recovery of the animal is responsibility of the licence holder, all reasonable attempts at recovery should be made until such time the animal is recovered or it is presumed deceased. 
• Compulsory Microchipping: Breeders must ensure all litters are microchipped before the cubs leave for their new homes. New keepers must update and maintain accurate microchip records.  
• Public Awareness and Education: Initiatives to educate the public about fur farming, genetics, domestication processes, the risks of exotic pet keeping and the status of the North American red fox.
• Veterinary Assessment, Vaccination and Parasite Prevention: Those keeping silver foxes will need to ensure they have a vet able to treat silver foxes and that they are assessed at least once yearly.
• Neutering Requirements: Keepers must neuter silver foxes by 5 months of age. Those wishing to breed silver foxes will require a breeding permit to exempt foxes from neutering requirements. 
• Permits for Breeding:  Those breeding silver foxes will require a permit to do so. Breeding enclosures must be at least 250 sq ft in size (150 sq ft for the litter and an additional 50 sq ft per parent). Potential breeders must have a license to keep silver foxes in advance and must maintain accurate and detailed breeding records. Litters must remain with the breeder until at least 8 weeks of age. Due to their short socialisation window, the breeder is responsible for ensuring suitable socialisation. 
• Minimum Requirements for Enclosure Builds:  Enclosures must be fully enclosed or have a hot wire and 3ft overhang, set at a 45 degree angle. Enclosures must be at least 150 sq ft for a single adult silver fox, with an additional 50 sq ft per additional adult fox. They must have a double door entry system and fencing must have a minimum height of 2.5 meters and should be constructed from 50mm x 50mm, 4mm galvanized welded steel mesh panels or other such durable material. Measures must be taken to reduce exposure to extreme weather. Enclosures without a solid concrete or underwire base will require fences are sunk at least 3 ft into the ground and underwired 3 ft across. 
• Diet and Care Requirements: Provision of a balanced diet appropriate for silver foxes, which may include high-quality commercial dog food or a veterinarian-approved homemade diet. Fresh water must be available at all times.
• Training and Enrichment Schedules: Provision of environmental enrichment, climbing structures and hiding places to stimulate natural behaviors and prevent boredom. Implementation of a regular enrichment schedules and training plans to promote well-being and mental stimulation. 
• Handling and Movement Guidelines: Provision of handling and movement guidelines for silver foxes to ensure the health and safety of handlers and foxes during transit and restraint. 
• Waste and Hygiene Management: Proper waste systems must be in place to manage waste and prevent contamination. Regular cleaning schedules must be maintained to ensure hygiene and prevent the build-up of waste and pathogens. All drains must be located outside of enclosures. 
• Health and Safety Standards: Ensure that the environment for the silver foxes is safe and hazard-free. Adequate ventilation and proper lighting must be provided. Daily inspections, adequate equipment and PPE, ongoing monitoring, immediate repairs and adherence to best practices in animal care and facility management is expected. There must be an adequate number of trained staff able to manage the number of animals and to ensure good welfare within working hours (e.g. daily requirements include; food preparation, health checks, enrichment provision, behavioural training, maintenance checks, enclosure cleaning and daily record keeping. This equates to around 1-2 hours per enclosure). 
• Records and Documentation: Maintenance of records such as, veterinary records, movement records, daily care sheets, animal training records, enrichment schedules, health and safety records, and keeper training records. 
• Insurance Requirements: Insurance firms would need to provide underwriting to suit the new license requirements. There are currently no insurance companies that cover silver foxes. 
• Contingency Plans: Contingency plans must be in place for emergencies such as fire, flood, or natural disaster. These plans should include evacuation procedures, safe areas for temporary holding and protocols for ensuring the safety of the foxes. Communication strategies to alert the authorities and emergency services must also be outlined.  
• Quarantine Provisions:  Those keeping more than one silver fox must be able to provide a separate quarantine enclosure for the purpose of isolation, should aggression, illness or injury occur. The facility must be at least 2.5m in height, be a minimum of 100 sq ft, be as secure as a regular enclosure and it must provide adequate barrier protection (e.g an adapted shed with wire lined windows and a double door entry. It can be utilised as temporary storage, until required). In cases of severe emergency, these facilities can be utilised temporarily (up to 4 weeks), by another licence holder for 1-2 previously group-housed silver foxes, should they have to enact their contingency plan.
• Fines and License Termination:  Those who fail to comply with the requirements stipulated within the licensing agreement will be subject to fines. Severe or repeat breaches would result in a fine, as well as the confiscation of the animals and termination of the license. 

In conclusion, the results of such regulations would require obtaining a license from the local council in order to keep or breed silver foxes (vulpes vulpes fulva), via a process that involves demonstrating the applicant has the necessary knowledge, experience and resources to care for silver foxes and with a requirement to undergo regular veterinary and licencing assessments. 

Sign the UK Government Petition!

Black Foxes UK will be submitting a petition, once the government system has re-opened, calling for the UK government to recognise the non-native domesticated status of the silver fox. This will then allow the government to regulate the keeping and breeding of silver foxes, as well as wildlife and animal rescue, without negatively impacting our native fox and wildlife rescue efforts. Current keepers and rescues that maintain high standards should not find regulation too difficult to adhere to. 

Once regulated, those keeping animals in breach of such regulations can then be held accountable. We would have preferred to have started this petition many years sooner, but accurate education and awareness of these animals was needed in advance to be able to do that. It appears the time has now come! 

Join the mailing list below to receive a notification to sign the petition, once it goes live.

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