WITH the start of the hunting season, there will be the predictable onslaught by those who think the hunting of foxes and stags with hounds is cruel and outdated and should be banned.

But those who enjoy the thrill of the chase will say that it is the best way of controlling foxes and stags — which if not controlled can affect their livelihoods. Most farmers are convinced that it is the most humane way of dealing with the problem. And it is also a social time to meet fellow farmers.

But whatever the rights or wrongs of what is referred to by many as a bloodsport, we all know now the Hunting Act has more holes in it than a leaking sieve.

So if the Tories get back into power after 12 years in the wilderness, they have said that they will repeal the Act.

Now I am not for or against hunting but it does seem that the Act is a waste of time, not only because it does not seem to be working very well but it is also a waste of police time.

Officers have more pressing needs these days than monitoring whether farmers are adhering to the Act.

Far more important to me is the safety and the best interests of our young men and women serving in an unwinnable war in Afghanistan. More soldiers will die in a week than all the foxes and stags that are killed in the hunting season.

So let's get our priorities right and badger our absymal government to bring back our troops before more families are left without a treasured son or daughter or children without a father or mother.

A fox or stag has the ability to outrun the hunt — and I'm sure most do — but no soldier can outrun a roadside bomb or a bullet from the ruthless Taliban.

To me it is all a matter of priorities and I am afraid the fox and stag are certainly not top of my list.

COLIN RICHEY Lazenby Road, Tiverton