Tesco removes 'appalling' fox-hunting fancy dress costume for children after complaints

'Shame on you'

Tesco quickly removed the costume from its website explaining that “it was listed by a third-party vendor.” (SW ( SWNS.com)

Tesco has removed a fox hunter fancy dress costume from its shelves following a series of complaints.

People criticised the supermarket on social media after spotting the outfit online where it was described as a “red fox hunter jacket” for children aged seven and older.

Anti-hunting campaigners claimed that it was “encouraging children to take up a highly cruel animal bloodsport” and dubbed it “appalling.”

The fancy dress costume was modelled on Tesco's website by a young boy and priced at £10.41.

“This costume includes a long sleeved red tailcoat style jacket with a single black button at the front. Fantastic for World Book Day, school shows or just dressing up fun. Please note White T-shirt, Trousers & Shoes not included,” the description read.

Triggering an angry reaction from customers, opponents posted a series of comments on the supermarket's Facebook page.

“I am appalled at how you are selling fancy redcoat fox hunters fancy dress clothes for kids,” one person wrote.

“Are you really trying to encourage them to take up a highly cruel animal bloodsport? I would like this complaint to be forwarded to your head office.”

Customers were outraged by the fox-hunting costume designed for children (SWNS) (SWNS.com)

Another added: “I am very disappointed to see you have a fox hunting costume as one of your fancy dress outfits.

“What a shame that you are promoting this to children. Shame on you.”

As a result of the complaints, Tesco quickly removed the costume from it's website explaining that “it was listed by a third-party vendor.”

“We've listened to customers and have immediately removed this product from sale,” a spokesperson told The Independent.

Despite dealing with the issue swiftly anit-hunt groups have criticised the supermarket for selling the costume and branded it as “poor judgement.”

“This appears to be remarkably poor judgement from Tesco,” said Lee Moon, a spokesperson for the Hunt Saboteurs Association.

“Fox hunting is an illegal, archaic pastime that's abhorred by the majority of the population. Why Tesco would think it's an appropriate fancy dress costume for children is quite beyond us.

“We look forward to seeing their badger baiting or dog fighting outfit in the near future!“