Hunting is sport and animal management
CAN I suggest a possible third option in the dispute between Points of view correspondents Dr John P Salvatore and Jonathan Higgins as to whether fox hunting is a sport or wildlife management.
This is that it is both a sport and wildlife management.
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There seems in the modern world to be a growing inability for people to hold two concepts in their head at the same time.
I find this rather worrying. Perhaps it is to do with our poor education system.
Key aspects of fox hunting are that it tends to select weaker animals as stronger ones are more likely to escape the hounds and that, unlike shooting, where the animal often takes a long time to die, if the fox is caught it dies very quickly.
Giles Bradshaw
Rose Ash, South Molton
(by email)
4 Comments
by AR2048, London
Tuesday, April 07 2009, 9:05PM
“"Most truth lies within shades of grey"
There are no more 'shades of grey' in a pack of bloodthirsty humans on horseback and a pack of dogs versus one fox than there are in bear-baiting, or organised dog-fights or cock-fighting.
Setting animals on each other for entertainment is the worst side of human nature, it isn't 'sport' it's abhorrent and degrading to humankind.”
by FWK, Crediton
Tuesday, April 07 2009, 9:31AM
“I' m not prepared to be dogmatic one way or the other about the overall desirability of foxhunting. I don't like it much, but I am not that keen on banning too many things either. However, I agree wholeheartedly with Giles Gradshaw on one score - the lamentable growth over the years of black and white thinking - "if the answer is not this then it must be the exact opposite". Life is not monochrome, and most issues are not as cut and dried as the tabloid press - and tabloid thinking - would suggest. Most truth lies within shades of grey, which is why they need to be solved by intelligent debate that hopefully leads to sensible action - or inaction - not hysterical name-calling from entrenched positions.”
by Some Kind of Monster, Cullompton
Monday, April 06 2009, 10:18AM
“"no doubt it is due to the complete lack of any moral lead from those in power"
Nothing new there then.
Though I do have to agree AR2048”
by AR2048, London
Sunday, April 05 2009, 11:47PM
“Foxhunting is the worst side of human nature.
A pack of bloodthirsty humans on horseback and a pack of dogs versus one fox - hardly sporting.
Foxhunting isn't 'sport' nor 'wildlife management' it is glorified cruelty by people who demand the freedom to deny others their freedom.
I find it extremely worrying that still, in the 21st century, there are humans who think killing another sentient individual is entertainment - no doubt it is due to the complete lack of any moral lead from those in power.”