Self preservation over animal welfare
I WOULD like to respond to Colin Richey's letter More important issues than hunting, Echo, April 24.
Mr Richey, like the Tory candidates, thinks this issue should be swept under the carpet and forgotten. However, this is not a minor issue, but a major one.
Most of the population are appalled at cruelty to domestic and wild animals and want to see hunting of wild animals ended. The Conservatives only want to re-introduce hunting because the hunting society all vote Tory!
Hugo Squire, the East Devon MP, has good reason for not upsetting the strong hunting circle in his area — he could lose his secure seat should be speak out against hunting, so he is more concerned about any self preservation than animal welfare.
I assume all the city Tory councillors are backing their leader in wanting a return to hunting foxes and deer with dogs, although they may be a little nervous in voicing their opinion in public in case they receive adverse reaction.
But think of this — in the wild, animals kill other animals, tear them apart, to eat for food and for survival. The fox hunting society do this purely for fun and pleasure and nothing else. This is what the Tories are supporting, including their Exeter representative Hannah Foster. Well, they may just find that thousands of animal lovers like myself will not be supporting them when they ask for our vote.
Brian Sharpe
Ladysmith Road, Exeter
2 Comments
by Paul, Alphington
Saturday, May 01 2010, 9:31PM
“Dutch, I think that Brian's letter is in agreement with you that he does not want valuable parliamentary time wasted on repealing a law that 75 % of the population supports.
I also believe that many Conservative supporter are disgusted by their manifesto pledge to bring back hunting.”
by Dutch, Exeter
Saturday, May 01 2010, 7:14PM
“Brian, It is, of course, your democratic right to put the welfare of a handful of foxes over that of the citizens of the UK, by thinking this issue is a priority worthy of more attention then 10,000 soldiers' lives in Iraq and Afghanistan, the deteriorating economic condition of the UK (look at what is happening in Greece, do you think foxes are their priority?), the increasing demands on our taxes and freedoms by the EU and the collapse of law and order with an increasingly disillusioned electorate allowing the rise of racist rightwing parties! The worst-case scenario here could cost hundreds of thousands of human lives, trillions of £s and the future and freedom of whole generations! Personally, I want the new government to address these issues competently, rather then pander to the inability of some people to prioritise issues of survival and importance over that of maybe worthy, but ultimately unimportant hobby-horses.”