- The Guardian, Friday 28 December 2007
Hunting wild animals for pleasure is one of those activities which is considered by most to be odious - hence the introduction of a law three years ago to ban it. But the fact that some may still want to pursue a fox to its death does not mean that the Hunting Act is at fault. Sadly, some people still get behind the wheel of a car when drunk. Yet no one suggests that drink-driving laws should be repealed.
Becky Hawkes, RSPCA
Blood sports' enthusiasts hope for a Tory government next time because David Cameron has promised a free vote on the repeal of the Hunting Act.
Having always voted Labour I am, in the light of recent events, tempted to vote for Cameron. However, the prospect of a bloody, barbaric pastime being resurrected makes me look for somewhere else to cast my vote.
Fiona Rame, Tiverton, Devon
This year the Heythrop Hunt mentioned in your article still managed to run riot through the falconry centre at Gloucestershire's Batsford Arboretum, causing concern about the wellbeing of the centre's collection of breeding birds as well as causing distress to visitors. This was not the fault of the hunting laws, but was down to the stupidity and carelessness of the hunters.
Steve Anderson, Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire
Even if the Boxing Day figures claimed by the hunts mentioned are only half-true, this report makes sad reading for those of us who are opposed to this barbaric "sport". I hope that in 2008 the government will have the guts to amend the Hunting Act so that it bans totally all hunting with hounds.
Helena Newton, Goodmayes, Essex
