Wildlife Betrayed Exclusive Interview with Chris Luffingham

In the realm of animal welfare activism, few figures stand as tall, command as much influence, and remain as blissfully out of touch as Chris Luffingham. Branding himself as a “Commentator, campaigns specialist, thinker, connector, strategist, and CEO,” Chris is the multi-hyphenate wonder behind the League Against Cruel Sports’ campaigns. Join us as we sit down with this self-proclaimed intellectual titan and strategic virtuoso to discuss his latest magnum opus: getting hunting banned on National Trust land, all while his team diligently monitors the social media posts of League’s members rather than, you know, actually saving animals. Grab some popcorn and brace yourself for a masterclass in egotism and cluelessness.

Wildlife Betrayed: Chris, thank you for taking the time to speak with us. Let’s start with your monumental achievement: the campaign that led to hunting being banned on National Trust land. How do you feel about this victory?

Chris Luffingham: Oh, it’s a triumph, an absolute triumph. The League Against Cruel Sports, under my distinguished leadership, has finally brought some much-needed civilisation to the wild and untamed National Trust lands. It’s about time someone with my expertise took the reins and showed the country how it’s done.

Wildlife Betrayed: Yes, indeed. Though, some say it was the grassroots group National Distrust that did most of the groundwork, like forcing the National Trust to publish the hunt licenses which effectively ended hunting. How do you respond to that?

Chris Luffingham: National Distrust? Oh, bless their hearts. They’re like the scrappy underdogs in a children’s story. It’s charming, really. But let’s be serious—real change requires the kind of sophistication and resources only the League possesses. You can’t just run around willy-nilly expecting to achieve greatness. You need strategy, precision, and a touch of class, all of which I provide in spades.

Wildlife Betrayed: Speaking of resources, the League is a multi-million pound business. Yet, it seems you focused solely on the National Trust campaign while ignoring hunted foxes on other major landowners’ land. Why was that?

Chris Luffingham: Ah, well, you see, we are but a humble, tiny organisation. It’s a miracle we can achieve anything at all with our minuscule budget and scant resources. Foxes on National Trust land are sort of like celebrities—they’re high-profile, and saving them gets the headlines. Foxes on other land, well, they’re more like extras in a movie. Important, yes, but not quite front-page material. Plus, I’m sure those foxes appreciate the extra attention we give their National Trust cousins. Besides, we only have one cute fox costume for our campaigns, and it’s currently at the dry cleaners. You can’t expect us to conduct multiple campaigns without our beloved mascot, can you?

Wildlife Betrayed: Of course not, the fox costume is vital. Now, some critics argue that the League prolonged the National Trust campaign to maximise donations, giving the impression of doing something while not really doing anything. How do you address those criticisms?

Chris Luffingham: Critics, shmitics. These people simply don’t understand the complexities of high-level campaigning. Every donation is a testament to the trust people place in me—I mean, in us. Besides, people love donating to a good cause, and who are we to deny them that joy? And let’s not forget, my team needed regular siestas to keep up their spirits and creativity.

Wildlife Betrayed: Fair enough. However, the Hunt Saboteurs Association also played a significant role by exposing the Hunting Office webinars, which impacted landowners’ attitudes. Why hasn’t the League credited them or National Distrust for their efforts?

Chris Luffingham: Oh, the Hunt Saboteurs and National Distrust are like the amateur leagues of activism. They do their little bits here and there, but when it comes to a grand, sweeping campaign, it’s a job for professionals. We’ve earned our accolades, such as the illustrious “Gold Winner in the Chartered Institute of Public Relations Pride Awards” for Best Not For Profit Campaign.

Wildlife Betrayed: Right, that’s quite the accomplishment. Although, wasn’t it just a regional award with no other entries?

Chris Luffingham: Details, details. Gold is gold. It’s not about the competition; it’s about the recognition of our brilliance. Honestly, it’s flattering that no one else dared to compete.

Wildlife Betrayed: Indeed. Some have noted the League’s energy spent monitoring and discrediting its own members rather than focusing on broader campaigns. Can you explain this strategy?

Chris Luffingham: Absolutely. As George Orwell once illuminated in his work Nineteen Eighty-Four, protecting the brand is paramount. We must ensure that everyone in our ranks is in lockstep with our vision. Dissent is dangerous, and we can’t have any loose ends tarnishing our impeccable image.

Wildlife Betrayed: Orwell’s Nineteen Eighty-Four—an interesting choice for brand protection. How inspiring. One last thing: National Distrust doesn’t even have a fox costume. Any thoughts on that?

Chris Luffingham: Ah, the poor dears. It’s almost endearing in a tragic sort of way. But let’s be honest, if you can’t even muster up a proper costume, are you really fit to lead a campaign? They should leave the heavy lifting to the professionals and stick to their quaint little protests.

Wildlife Betrayed: Thank you, Chris, for your enlightening perspective. It’s been quite the revelation.

Chris Luffingham: The pleasure is all yours, I’m sure.