I WRITE in response to a letter from John Phelps about hunting with hounds, Government report details dogs' plight, Letters, October 3.

John, you write with such arrogance, as if you know what you are talking about. You have spent no time in kennels, caring for hounds.

You are a man dedicated to the eradication of hunting and sadly will say anything on your quest. Mr Wright is a greatly respected countryman who has spent his life caring for hounds 24/7. There are many, many people in hunting who spend a great deal of time, love and money on caring for our hounds.

To be involved with them is a great joy. I for one feel very lucky to be able to help care for hounds. What you say is frankly offensive. We do not put our hounds down when they are a little older or past their prime. Experience of the older hounds is a vital quality for the pack, they teach the puppies and teenagers how it is done.

Older hounds can be trusted and ensure a pack obeys the rules. They are our companions and we love them dearly. So much so that one huntsman at the ban was quoted as saying, "If you want my 'ounds, you'll have to shoot me dead first."

For some hounds, when the time comes and they are older, they are put to sleep in their home environment like all responsible dog owners do for their pets when they are ill or old.

Many, many hounds live out their lives and die of natural causes such as viruses, disease and cancers, while still in kennels. Most of our hounds hunt into their 11th or 12th season. To say otherwise is misleading. Hounds are working animals and are looked after 24/7 by the hunt team. The hounds are fed the best raw flesh from fallen stock disposed of for farmers, they are exercised for miles each day and are the happiest of animals. Just look at the sterns (tails) waging at a meet.

One of the most beautiful sounds in the countryside is a pack of hounds singing together in kennels.

They do this when they are happy and it is wonderful.

Pete Lacy

Address withheld on request