Animal rights activists are demanding Birmingham’s historic Sly Old Fox pub ditch its “derogatory” name for offending foxes… The Mail has more.
PETA has suggested the pub, which dates back to 1891 and has hosted a number of famous faces including Charlie Chaplin, becomes ‘The Clever Old Fox’ instead.
They have argued the current name is “negative” and perpetuates foxes’ “unearned” reputation as pests.
In a letter written to the Sly Old Fox, Elisa Allen, Vice President of Programmes at PETA, said derogatory descriptions of foxes has led to their “violent persecution”.
She explained they are now considered pests and “may be poisoned or hunted, often leaving behind helpless babies”.
“The word ‘sly’ often carries negative connotations like ‘deceitful’ – a wholly inaccurate and unfair perception of foxes,” Ms. Allen wrote.
“‘Clever’, on the other hand, is synonymous with ‘intelligent’ and ‘resourceful’ – words which perfectly describe these iconic animals.”
She continued: “We hope you agree that these magnificent animals deserve our respect.
“You can help reframe how we talk about them, which would go some way towards protecting them from cruel acts like being dug out of their homes, chased across the countryside and viciously attacked by dogs.”
While the Sly Old Fox has so far made no public announcement as to whether it will agree to PETA’s demands, the suggestion has been ridiculed on social media.
One person wrote: “These activists are delusional if they honestly believe foxes will be offended by a pub sign! I wasn’t aware foxes could even read.” …
It comes after PETA asked the new owners of Britain’s “oldest pub” Ye Olde Fighting Cocks to rename it ‘The Happy Hens’ in 2022.
Activists said the pub’s name “calls to mind the violence and cruelty of a hideous blood sport that has been outlawed in the U.K. for more than a century”. …
Campaigners also demanded the pub, which serves classic British grub and dates to 793AD, adopt a fully plant-based menu.
Worth reading in full.
To join in with the discussion please make a donation to The Daily Sceptic.
Profanity and abuse will be removed and may lead to a permanent ban.