I AM giving permission for my local stag hunt to flush deer out of cover with dogs on my land in order to disperse them. I am instructing the hunt not to pursue, catch or kill the deer.

There is an exemption in the Hunting Act for flushing out, but it is dependent on conditions including that the flushed out animals are shot.

However, recent advice from the RSPCA indicates that these conditions need NOT be complied with.

I am writing to the police, Defra and the RSPCA to check that they have no legal objections to the hunt flushing deer without shooting them or limiting the number of dogs used.

Hunting is a common topic of discussion in this paper and I wanted to give your readers the opportunity to object.

If all parties feel it is not illegal for the deer to be flushed without being shot I am hoping that this will constitute a new legal and welfare-friendly role for the hunt. If reasonable objections are expressed, I will reluctantly instruct them to shoot the flushed deer.

Giles Bradshaw

Rose Ash