Animal activists demand Birmingham pub changes name as it's 'derogatory' to foxes

A legendary Birmingham pub is at the centre of a bizarre row over its name, sparked by animal rights activists who claim it's "derogatory" to foxes. The Sly Old Fox, on Hurst Street, has been targeted by campaigners from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), who argue that the name is "inaccurate" and "unfair" to the animals.

PETA's vice president of programmes, Elisa Allen, has written to the pub, urging them to change the name to something that reflects the nation's growing empathy for animals, such as "clever" instead of "sly". In the letter, Allen states: "We’re sure you’ll agree that language is powerful and can reinforce negative stereotypes."

She adds: "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.

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"Due to The Sly Old Fox’s rich history in Birmingham, this was the perfect fit for a request. If they changed their name, it could inspire other pubs to take note and would go some way towards encouraging respect – and even awe – for foxes," Allen said to The Telegraph.

She pointed out that "kinder, more respectful and actually more accurate" language exists to portray living beings, urging individuals to adopt such terms. Emphasising that "sly" carries many negative implications like "cunning", Allen preferred "Clever Fox" as a name with a "far better ring" to it and one that more accurately represents these mammals.

PETA has approached other establishments in the past to modernise their names to align with an "ever-evolving empathy for animals" society, like with their suggestion to transform Ye Olde Fighting Cocks in St Albans to Ye Olde Clever Cocks; they aimed to "reflect society's rejection of needless violence and to help celebrate the chicken".

According to PETA: "There may be some resistance to changing a name, but just as many pubs once associated with slavery have renamed themselves to reflect current values, so too should The Cocks reconsider their name. If tradition must be honoured, then reverting to the benign 1756 moniker: Three Pigeons, might be the compromise."