I AM going to begin by saying I know that in the countryside, my views on fox hunting are seen as 'ludicrous' and I wouldn't be surprised if my letter isn't published for this reason but, despite this, I feel that my opinion is still very much valid.

The annual Boxing Day parade gathers near where I live, which is one of the reasons it infuriates me.

I do not understand why so many people are thrilled and delighted when the hunt comes to town.

Hundreds of people gathered in the market and the High Street, but for what?

To see a parade of wealthy farmers? Since when was this suitable entertainment for the whole family?

I'm sure if these young children saw the vicious ways in which foxes have been torn apart, the hunt wouldn't have such a rosy outlook.

Do these spectators not realise that fox hunting is a symbol of inequality as well as a barbaric practice?

I know there is a 'ban' on hunting wild animals with dogs, but who is to say that these hunts do not still go on?

I know that foxes are seen as pests, but there are many alternative ways of controlling the fox population that do not involve parades, horns and packs of hounds.

There is a ban for a reason.

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