Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether she plans to introduce measures to minimise destruction caused by urban foxes.

The Government has no current plans to introduce measures to combat problems that may be caused by urban foxes. There is no statutory duty on local authorities, or anyone else, to control foxes in their areas and the decision about whether or not to do so lies with the owner or occupier of the property where the problem occurs, providing they do so in compliance with legislation to protect animal welfare.

The availability of food is likely to be a key factor in determining the size of urban fox populations and the most effective strategies for resolving problems with foxes rely mainly on preventative and deterrent strategies, such as removing or proofing food and shelter sources, using fencing to exclude or repellents to deter.

Advice on the management of foxes can be obtained from Natural England's Wildlife Management Unit.