No need for hunts in the 21st century
HANNAH Foster, the Conservative parliamentary candidate for Exeter, fails to understand that the Hunting Act 2004 does not ban killing deer and foxes, Voters want debate not party posturing March 6.
The purpose of the Act is to ban the sport of hunting wild mammals for fun. Deer may need to be culled to keep numbers in check but there is no need for them to be chased over long distances for sport.
The fox population is self-regulating as numbers are determined by the availability of food, habitat and territory.
Gangs of riders on horseback roaming the countryside, accompanied by packs of dogs, have no place in the 21st century and the ban on them should be strictly enforced.
If politicians were subjected to the Trade Descriptions Act, the Conservative Party would also be banned for describing itself as a modern, compassionate party.
Labour and Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidates are opposed to hunting wild mammals for sport and have a far better claim to be modern and compassionate.
John Phelps
Argyll Road, Exeter
6 Comments
by Liz Smith, Exeter
Saturday, March 13 2010, 1:36PM
“Well said Mr Phelps. These hunters have shown their true colours. They can do everything that they could do before the ban, with one little exception. They are not allowed to set one animal on to another so that the victim can be chased and torn apart. Everything else is the same. That speaks volumes about the sadistic violent nature of the thugs that carry out this pastime. The rest of us have moved on to be a more compassionate society. Please lets keep it that way.”
by Andy, Whipton
Wednesday, March 10 2010, 10:27PM
“I seeHannah Foster has finally published her view on her website (only 5 days after she told us they were there). Basically she doesn't personally agree with hunting, but thinks that the current law is dreadfully unfair on country people so, in a free vote, would go for re-legalisation of hunting.
I think you can read into this: David Cameron is a hunt supporter and my political career is more important than any principles I might have.”
by Babz, County Durham
Wednesday, March 10 2010, 5:12PM
“Quite right Mr Phelps, the spectacle of desperate animals being chased by a pack of hounds followed by a gang of bloodthirsty thugs belongs firmly in the past and the majority of the electorate want it to stay there. Only those who enjoy killing and those with mates in the Countryside Alliance (not mentioning the Conservative leader by name) want the ban repealed.”
by mhayworth, UK
Wednesday, March 10 2010, 5:07PM
“The Tories are trying to bury their zeal by clouding the issue or pretending they want to repeal the act and put tougher animal rights legislation in place. Now that would be difficult after all the funding and leafletting the Countryside Alliance and Vote OK have been doing for them. Even worse, that they try playing the pest control card when even the hunts admit to encouraging the breeding of foxes for their 'sport'.
There is no case for repeal. Hunt numbers are up all over the country. Drag hunting is legal. The sense of community, pageantry, heritage, and jobs are all still intact and yet these disgraceful people can¿t manage to enjoy themselves unless they are terrifying and killing animals.
Don't let her do it!
M. Hayworth
Campaign For Decency”
by JKendall, Yorkshire
Wednesday, March 10 2010, 4:56PM
“I completely agree. Hunting with hounds was banned because in this day and age it is totally unacceptable to terrify and tear apart any creature purely for the entertainment value derived by certain members of our society.
The only change in the law necessary is for it to be strengthened and strictly enforced.
This horrendous practise has been consigned to the history books and must remain so.”
by TP2010, Leicester
Wednesday, March 10 2010, 1:30PM
“I agree wholeheartedly! Mistreating, savaging and killing animals for the entertainment of a minority group has no place in a civilised society. In my opinion Mr Cameron is reaching out to the countryside alliance in a desperate bid for votes. The hunting ban was brought in in a shroud of controversy with the riots that occurred and the breach of security in the debating chamber at the house of commons. So
to start stirring up old feelings is rather irresponsible. The ban was passed and is now the law, as a leader of the opposition he should be concentrating on scrutinizing government policies and not expressing his desire to have
foxes or hares torn apart by dogs!”