You can enjoy hunt without the cruelty
10:12am Friday 4th January 2008 in Comment By Readers' Letter
on the trail: Dogs lead the horses and riders for the Holcombe Hunt on Boxing Day
I WAS somewhat amused by the comments of the huntsmen after the Boxing Day Meet of the Holcombe Hunt that the sport of following hounds is more popular than ever. Was this supposed to be a snub to anti-hunt protesters?
Of course it is more popular. Those who opposed the cruelty involved in chasing and killing live animals can now enjoy the thrill of the ride across countryside, proof in fact of our argument that saddlers and farriers would not be put out of business, nor would hounds have to be destroyed.
Observers who kept away in the past are now prepared to come out and share the spectacle. If, on the other hand, hares or foxes are killed, I am sure someone will inform the authorities and appropriate action will be taken.
In the meantime, "live and let live".
Katherine M Kay, Bromley Cross
