OPINIONS on hunting may well be split.

But as human beings we all unite in our condemnation of thuggery, intimidation and threats of violence.

That is why, regardless of belief on whether hunting with dogs should be banned, we must all agree that the series of death threats sent to Bolton's pro-hunting Andrew Pilkington is reprehensible.

Mr Pilkington is chairman of the Lancashire Countryside Alliance and has been receiving poison pen letters, containing insults and death taunts. His wife was sent a 'with sympathy' card as she recovered from a serious illness. It was signed "A Fox".

Mr Pilkington is a keen amateur huntsman who admits to shooting pheasants, ducks, pigeons and following the annual Bolton fox hunt on foot each year.

And that is fine, because he has the freedom of choice to join in those pastimes -- whether people approve or not.

He is within the law.

Protesters have that same freedom to speak out against these activities.

And that is where the line is drawn.

There can be no excuse for taking it further. What sort of society would we be living in if we were able to terrorise the people we disagreed with?

No matter what the principle behind the actions, there can be no excuse. It is plain thuggery -- and criminal.

The people responsible are more vicious than the people they are attempting to campaign against and show a frightening immaturity that is staggering.

If they do truly represent the anti-hunting lobby, then they do their cause no good.