Pub called Sly Old Fox told to change its name because it’s offensive to foxes
A pub in Birmingham has been urged to change its name by animal rights activists who claim it’s derogatory to foxes.
Campaigners from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), say The Sly Old Fox’s name is ‘inaccurate’ and ‘unfair’ to the animals.
The charity’s vice president of programmes, Lisa Allen, has written to the pub in Hurst Street asking them to change its name to something that reflects the country’s growing empathy for animals.
She said that instead using ‘clever’ fox instead of ‘sly’ would be more appropriate.
In the letter, Ms Allen wrote: ‘We’re sure you’ll agree that language is powerful and can reinforce negative stereotypes.”
‘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.
Speaking to the Telegraph, she added: ‘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.’
She pointed out that ‘kinder, more respectful and actually more accurate’ language exists to portray living beings, urging individuals to adopt such terms.
Ms Allen said ‘sly’ carries many negative implications like ‘cunning’, adding that ‘Clever Fox’ had a ‘far better ring’ to it and one that more accurately represents the animals.
PETA has approached other establishments in the past to modernise their names to align with a society that has an ‘ever-evolving empathy for animals’.
These include suggesting Ye Olde Fighting Cocks in St Albans change to Ye Olde Clever Cocks; which, they said, would ‘reflect society’s rejection of needless violence and to help celebrate the chicken’.
PETA said: ‘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.’
The Metro has contacted The Sly Old Fox for comment.
Meanwhile a pub called The Midget in Abingdon, Oxfordshire is changing its name after complaints it was offensive.
The Greene King pub, named after the historic MG car that was built in the town, will be known as the Roaring Raindrop from next month.
Roaring Raindrop is another historic MG – both have broken speed records.
A petition to change the name was started by a disability lecturer at Liverpool Hope University, who has dwarfism.
A counter petition to restore the old name has since been launched and signed by 3,000.
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