URGENT: Scrap the Kingston House Estate Fox Cull: A Call to Action
Please take action today
At Protect the Wild, we were recently contacted by a concerned supporter about an urgent and deeply troubling situation: a planned fox cull at Kingston House Estate, scheduled for February 22nd, 2025. This supporter has tried to seek answers from FifthStreet Property Management, yet they have been met with evasion and dismissive responses. Given the gravity of this situation, we are taking immediate action.
Despite repeated requests for transparency, FifthStreet Property Management has refused to provide clear details on how this cull will be conducted in a humane manner. Their vague assurances are not good enough.
While foxes may occasionally cause minor disturbances in urban areas, they are an integral part of our ecosystem. The presence of foxes should not be seen as a problem to be ‘managed’ through lethal means but rather as an opportunity to adopt non-lethal, ethical solutions. Yet, instead of embracing modern, humane deterrence methods, the management at Kingston House Estate has opted for a secretive and unaccountable culling operation.
The resident told us“While the damage caused by foxes is undeniable, resorting to lethal measures without offering clear details on the safety and humane treatment of these animals is both unethical and unacceptable. The refusal to openly address these concerns only highlights the urgent need for change in how these decisions are made.”
The Case Against the Cull
Lack of Transparency: FifthStreet Property Management has refused to disclose essential details, including:
Who is conducting the cull and their qualifications.
What methods will be used and how suffering will be prevented.
How safety will be ensured in a residential area where firearms may be used.
Legal and Ethical Concerns: The UK has strict animal welfare laws, including the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and the Wild Mammals (Protection) Act 1996, which mandate that any lethal control of wildlife must be humane. A vague assurance that the cull will be conducted ‘humanely’ is meaningless without clear, accountable protocols.
Non-Lethal Alternatives Exist: Instead of killing foxes, estate management could adopt proven, humane deterrents, including:
Securing waste disposal and food sources to reduce attraction to the area.
Using scent-based repellents such as citronella, garlic, or predator urine to deter foxes naturally.
Installing humane fencing and deterrents that discourage foxes from denning in unwanted areas.
Educating residents on how to live harmoniously with urban wildlife without conflict.
Culling is Ineffective in the Long Run: Scientific studies have repeatedly shown that culling does not work as a long-term solution. Killing foxes creates a temporary reduction in numbers, but new foxes will simply move into the vacated area. This is a short-sighted, futile approach that does nothing to address the root cause of fox presence.
Public Outcry and Resident Concerns Ignored: One of the estate’s residents has raised legitimate concerns, which have been summarily dismissed. Just because culls have happened in the past does not make them right or necessary today.
This is Happening Across the UK – We Must Take a Stand
The situation at Kingston House Estate is not unique. Across the country, foxes and other wild animals are needlessly targeted simply for existing in spaces that humans have taken over. Instead of finding ethical, modern solutions, companies and property managers continue to resort to killing – an outdated, unnecessary, and ultimately ineffective approach.
If we allow this cull to happen without challenge, we send a message that wildlife can be eradicated whenever it becomes inconvenient. We must act now, not just for the foxes at Kingston House Estate, but for all urban wildlife facing persecution across the UK.
Take Action Now
We must act before it is too late. If we do nothing, innocent animals will suffer needlessly. We urge you to:
Sign the petition to demand that this cull is scrapped immediately.
Write to FifthStreet Property Management at paul.hnatiuk@fifthst.co.uk and demand transparency.
Share this article and spread awareness about this unjustified cull.
Wildlife deserves our protection, not persecution. Let’s make sure Kingston House Estate knows that the public will not stand by while foxes are needlessly killed.
Sign the petition today and make your voice heard!
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Since the arrival of wheelie bins, I know of an area wondering where their foxes have gone and there is no shooting/hunting due to the geography. Dirty humans should be addressed first. No animal should be killed for human 'convenience' (or otherwise)!
Always the human races' answer - kill them. It makes me so angry!