GerryLet them carry on the countryside tradition by drag hunting, rather than using the pretext of sport to bring about the callous ripping apart of British mammals. For most of those taking part in the hunt, they hardly ever see the final stages, when a pack of dogs attacks a single animal. If their idea of sport is in racing around the countryside on horseback, let them. They can do that now and have been able to do so for centuries. Deer can be shot rather than hunted, as can rabbits, wild pigs etc. If the control of the fox population is at issue, then the custodians of the countryside need to address this issue without recourse to hunting with packs of dogs. As taxpayers we all contribute to the economy of this country, be that the money is spent in our countryside or in our urban situations so we all have a say. When I come face to face with my beef, chicken, duck, lamb, pork, turkey, etc. etc., at the butchers or supermarket, all I want is comfort in the knowledge that the product I am about to buy and consume came from an animal which was well cared for and which was dispatched as humanely as possible. We should not seek to stop animals behaving naturally unless the population of other animals is threatened. As a landowner or custodian of land, anyone can manage their land and exercise their right to control pests and vermin on their land; they just have to do it lawfully and hopefully, with some thought for the effects of their actions.
Gareth Evans ● 7457d