Apology after foxes culled on golf club grounds

A north London golf club has apologised to residents after foxes were culled on its course.

Enfield Golf Club carried out pest control and shooting on the evening of Wednesday 26 March.

The incident has caused outrage among wildlife groups, with Protect The Wild saying foxes are not pests while local MP Feryal Clark says she is "deeply disturbed and appalled".

In a statement, the club said the culling had not been sanctioned by the Club Committee and apologised.

The BBC understands local authorities were notified of the legal culling at about 1830 GMT on the Wednesday and that it would last until 0200 on 27 March.

Residents called local authorities in the evening to report hearing what sounded like gun shots coming from the back of golf course.

The club confirmed the incident happened at 20:00.

Robert Pownall, founder and CEO of Protect the Wild, said foxes in urban areas and spaces like golf courses was a "sign of the natural world's remarkable resilience in the face of the destruction of wild spaces".

"Foxes, badgers and other animal species should be treasured and protected. They are not 'pests' - they are sentient beings, important to ecosystems, and an essential part of the living landscapes we all depend on and enjoy."

Meanwhile, Lulubells Animal Rescue said it was "deeply disturbed" when local residents contacted them after hearing gunshots at the golf course.

"With cubs typically born around this season, we are especially concerned that vulnerable animals unable to survive without their parents have likely been lost."

The spokesperson added: "We strongly oppose such inhumane practices and believe in peaceful coexistence with wildlife.

"Effective and humane alternatives exist, such as deterrent systems, scent-based repellents, habitat management, and exclusion fencing."

Ms Clark, the MP for Enfield North, said not only was it an "awful act but, frankly, incredibly cruel".

"Foxes are a protected species in the UK, and it is unacceptable for anyone to think that killing them on our doorstep is in any way justifiable."

She added: "Golf clubs cannot and should not be involved in culling foxes. We must ensure that our wildlife is protected and I will be following this up with the golf club."

The club, which has an 18-hole course, said it was an "incredibly poor decision by internal management to allow an external group to conduct an unauthorised culling".

The club's statement continued: "This was not sanctioned by the Club Committee. The Club and its members are extremely disappointed this happened and can guarantee it will never happen again.

"We are a club that supports the local community and provides an excellent place for all, we are saddened by these events and regret any distress this has caused in our local community."

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