by deltatango
on July 01, 2010 at 08:06AM
Repeal the hunting ban
Why the contribution is important
Hunting is an important part of the rural economy and should not be banned
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Posted by
pallen
July 01, 2010 at 08:36
Law of unintended consequences applies. Already twin babies have been attacked in their beds. Repeal this Act before a child is killed. Foxes are vermin not cuddly pets.
Posted by
hmt1000
July 01, 2010 at 08:42
@pallen
This should NOT be repealed. It is a cruel and outdated 'sport' and not used for vermin control. Besides which it is requesting to be repealed for the rural countryside, nothing to do with two children in a town environment.
This should NOT be repealed. It is a cruel and outdated 'sport' and not used for vermin control. Besides which it is requesting to be repealed for the rural countryside, nothing to do with two children in a town environment.
Posted by
horseyhel
July 01, 2010 at 08:45
NOT
Vermin control yes, but not hunting for fun. How can this be a 'sport' Wierd
Vermin control yes, but not hunting for fun. How can this be a 'sport' Wierd
Posted by
Jonathan
July 01, 2010 at 09:13
Come off it.
Humans are better than this. In the 21st Century we do not need to harm animals for our own enjoyment.
Humans are better than this. In the 21st Century we do not need to harm animals for our own enjoyment.
Posted by
MarkS
July 01, 2010 at 09:28
NEVER REPEAL
This barbaric practice of chasing an animal to exhaustion and tearing it apart with dogs for fun is ridiculous primitive and unnecessary. It would also allow the same fate for Stags and Hares. Allow humane trapping and disposal when necessary. I would enhance the law and make all hunting packs of dogs wear a muzzle for health and safety reasons.
This barbaric practice of chasing an animal to exhaustion and tearing it apart with dogs for fun is ridiculous primitive and unnecessary. It would also allow the same fate for Stags and Hares. Allow humane trapping and disposal when necessary. I would enhance the law and make all hunting packs of dogs wear a muzzle for health and safety reasons.
Posted by
GilesBradshaw
July 01, 2010 at 09:43
Replace the law with one which governs all activities on the basis of cruelty and utility. Hunting can compliment shooting because it mops up wounded animals.
Posted by
Grommet
July 01, 2010 at 09:45
Scrap the 2004 hunting with dogs act.
Waist of government time to bring it in.
There was no referance to the governments own evidence.
A waist of police time.
Infringes my liberties.
Does absolutely nothing to protect animals or the countryside.
Waist of government time to bring it in.
There was no referance to the governments own evidence.
A waist of police time.
Infringes my liberties.
Does absolutely nothing to protect animals or the countryside.
Posted by
Dazzledonut
July 01, 2010 at 10:21
The hunting ban was brought about by people who have no concept of the countryside and the best [and proven] methods of control for foxes.
Public perception has always been that people who hunt do it for 'fun' as a 'sport', believing that the 'sport' in in the killing of the fox.
Er... no.
The hunts have a job to do - to control foxes and conserve the countryside. They take this job very seriously. Hunting with hounds ensures the survival of the fittest - ensuring a healthy population of foxes which then controls rabbits etc. The hunt is a selective method of culling whereas now, ALL foxes which are flushed are shot. So mangy, sick foxes are breeding... the countryside is becoming over populated with them - and the rabbits too, since these sickly creatures can't hunt for food properly... So the foxes which can't hunt rabbits are now moving into towns - attacking babies instead?
Hunts are self suffient - one reason being that they permitt people to follow the hunt and they pay for that priviledge... and THAT is where the 'fun' comes in... the hunts are there to do a job - irrespective of whether there are 'followers' or not. The 'followers' are NOT there for the killing of the foxes, but simply for the thrill of being able to gallop across open countryside to which they would normally have no access...
Calls for the repeal of the ban are not made from the aspect of the followers, but from people who understand that hunting is a truly effective and selective method of fox control - that it can be utilised as an equestrian activity is a side effect, rather than it's purpose.
The ban should be repealed:
For the sake of the countryside...
For the sake of the FOX!
Public perception has always been that people who hunt do it for 'fun' as a 'sport', believing that the 'sport' in in the killing of the fox.
Er... no.
The hunts have a job to do - to control foxes and conserve the countryside. They take this job very seriously. Hunting with hounds ensures the survival of the fittest - ensuring a healthy population of foxes which then controls rabbits etc. The hunt is a selective method of culling whereas now, ALL foxes which are flushed are shot. So mangy, sick foxes are breeding... the countryside is becoming over populated with them - and the rabbits too, since these sickly creatures can't hunt for food properly... So the foxes which can't hunt rabbits are now moving into towns - attacking babies instead?
Hunts are self suffient - one reason being that they permitt people to follow the hunt and they pay for that priviledge... and THAT is where the 'fun' comes in... the hunts are there to do a job - irrespective of whether there are 'followers' or not. The 'followers' are NOT there for the killing of the foxes, but simply for the thrill of being able to gallop across open countryside to which they would normally have no access...
Calls for the repeal of the ban are not made from the aspect of the followers, but from people who understand that hunting is a truly effective and selective method of fox control - that it can be utilised as an equestrian activity is a side effect, rather than it's purpose.
The ban should be repealed:
For the sake of the countryside...
For the sake of the FOX!
Posted by
ftfidget
July 01, 2010 at 10:44
Barbaric practise, anybody who enjoys this sick sport is a disgrace
Posted by
Tigger
July 01, 2010 at 10:52
Some people just want to kill things. Hunting disrupts farming, spooks farm animals, destroys crops and is just morally wrong.
Posted by
jholme
July 01, 2010 at 11:11
Hunting is a natural part of human cultural life. The law should never have been used to try to reduce this practice as it is no way a criminal act. If people disapprove of it then they should use education and persuasion not the violence of the legal system. This should be reserved for the protection of society and individual *human* rights. Feel free to voice you opinion, you may be right, you may be wrong, but allow others their opinions as well.
Posted by
julesj0
July 01, 2010 at 11:46
A ridiculous idea - Hunting damages crops, disrupts agriculture, distresses livestock and ruins local ecologies. the only change that should be made to the Hunting Laws should be for the loopholes to be closed and for local law enforcement and the courts to stop pussyfooting about and ensure enforcement
Posted by
julesj0
July 01, 2010 at 11:55
Sorry, I wasn't multiple posting...the site dropped and posted my comment over and over again!
Posted by
ajthrebb
July 01, 2010 at 12:54
"We all have to be very careful before we use our power to prohibit actions that were previously lawful and involved no criminal intent.Simple disaproval can never be a ground alone for prohibition."Jack Straw,Home secetary.
If only those most decent of sentiments had been listened to by one of their own New Labour would not have created this act which only succeeds in one thing and that is to subject honest people to daily humiliation.The act was simply wrong and it badly needs to be righted.It was never anything to do with cruelty only predgudice.Please give british people the right to hunt with our dogs.I dont ride a horse and I dont wear a monicle.I am just an ordinary bloke who wants back my freedom.
If only those most decent of sentiments had been listened to by one of their own New Labour would not have created this act which only succeeds in one thing and that is to subject honest people to daily humiliation.The act was simply wrong and it badly needs to be righted.It was never anything to do with cruelty only predgudice.Please give british people the right to hunt with our dogs.I dont ride a horse and I dont wear a monicle.I am just an ordinary bloke who wants back my freedom.
Posted by
asmith
July 01, 2010 at 18:08
The Hunting Act serves no useful purpose whatsoever. It unjustly criminalises people and is detrimental for the animals concerned.
Repeal of this illiberal legislation should be sought as quickly as possible.
Repeal of this illiberal legislation should be sought as quickly as possible.
Posted by
shot_fox
July 01, 2010 at 19:49
A law with only a deleterious effect on animal welfare. Repeal it.
Posted by
lordmureth
July 01, 2010 at 20:32
@ MarkS:
"They are vermin because we say so?"
"Its my right to kill just what I want?"
I might not be a "blinking soft old townie" - I have lived in the country all of my life - but I think you've eloquently summed up exactly why this (admittedly flawed law should NEVER be repealed, only strengthened.
Only a small percentage of foxes are killed by hunts, and you know it. You do it for fun, rejoicing in the destruction of another life... don't you think it's time that the human race evolved a little?
As for the people that claim the 2 children in LONDON were attacked because of the ban on hunting with dogs... grow up and stop reading the Daily Mail.
"They are vermin because we say so?"
"Its my right to kill just what I want?"
I might not be a "blinking soft old townie" - I have lived in the country all of my life - but I think you've eloquently summed up exactly why this (admittedly flawed law should NEVER be repealed, only strengthened.
Only a small percentage of foxes are killed by hunts, and you know it. You do it for fun, rejoicing in the destruction of another life... don't you think it's time that the human race evolved a little?
As for the people that claim the 2 children in LONDON were attacked because of the ban on hunting with dogs... grow up and stop reading the Daily Mail.
Posted by
Gildas
July 01, 2010 at 21:15
It's a bad law even if you do agree with the cause.
Like someone said the other day ... repeal it and we can then get hoodies on their BMXes blowing vuvuzelas and chasing down the urban foxes with some trained mutated park squirrels.
Unless you're a vegan I can't see that you can claim it's really that much "barbaric" (the barbarians do get a bad rap, don't they?) than slaugtering unwanted male calves in the dairy industry because people are too stupid to buy veal meaning I can't buy any in the supermarket as they're too scared of bloody lefties smearing blood everywhere.
Like someone said the other day ... repeal it and we can then get hoodies on their BMXes blowing vuvuzelas and chasing down the urban foxes with some trained mutated park squirrels.
Unless you're a vegan I can't see that you can claim it's really that much "barbaric" (the barbarians do get a bad rap, don't they?) than slaugtering unwanted male calves in the dairy industry because people are too stupid to buy veal meaning I can't buy any in the supermarket as they're too scared of bloody lefties smearing blood everywhere.
Posted by
Grant
July 02, 2010 at 03:23
I think the hunting ban should be repealed, and replaced with a law against the treatment of hounds used in foxhunting.
The hunts do not consider the hounds capable of being rehomed, and they take them out and shoot them when they begin to slow down, sometimes as young as three years old.
They tried to tug on the heartstrings of voters by claiming that the foxhunting ban would force them to kill all of their dogs - even though they regard the dogs as an expendable resource and intend to shoot them anyway.
The keeping of packs of hounds and this barbaric treatment of them is what should be outlawed, not the hunting of foxes with them.
The hunts do not consider the hounds capable of being rehomed, and they take them out and shoot them when they begin to slow down, sometimes as young as three years old.
They tried to tug on the heartstrings of voters by claiming that the foxhunting ban would force them to kill all of their dogs - even though they regard the dogs as an expendable resource and intend to shoot them anyway.
The keeping of packs of hounds and this barbaric treatment of them is what should be outlawed, not the hunting of foxes with them.
Posted by
milesp
July 02, 2010 at 08:30
This was a piece of ill-thought-out legislation applied, by the admission of a Labour minister, as "revenge" on those percieved to be "Tory Toffs" for Margaret Thatcher's treatment of the miners. It was also a bone thrown to the Labour back-benchers in return for their support for the invasion of Iraq and other controversial policies such as Foundation Hospitals and University tuition fees.
It flew in the face of the Labour government's own report which they promised to take note of but completely sidelined when it came to the conclusion that foxhunting was no worse for the welfare of foxes than any other means of control.
Foxes are a proven pest, attacking lambs, chickens and other farm animals and they are regularly able to penetrate so-called "fox-proofing measures" such as wire fences dug into the ground. They do not only kill what they need to eat, they will attack every chicken within a chicken coop, for example, leaving many dead or maimed, before taking one away to eat. They are, however, also a part of the natural ecosystem, controlling other pests including small mamals and insects. Their numbers do need to be controlled, but they do not need to be eradicated altogether.
Farmers and landowners are more likely to tolerate a reasonable level of fox population if controlled by hunting which provides benefits to both the rural community and the economy, than if their only option is to eradicate by trapping, poisoning or shooting.
It flew in the face of the Labour government's own report which they promised to take note of but completely sidelined when it came to the conclusion that foxhunting was no worse for the welfare of foxes than any other means of control.
Foxes are a proven pest, attacking lambs, chickens and other farm animals and they are regularly able to penetrate so-called "fox-proofing measures" such as wire fences dug into the ground. They do not only kill what they need to eat, they will attack every chicken within a chicken coop, for example, leaving many dead or maimed, before taking one away to eat. They are, however, also a part of the natural ecosystem, controlling other pests including small mamals and insects. Their numbers do need to be controlled, but they do not need to be eradicated altogether.
Farmers and landowners are more likely to tolerate a reasonable level of fox population if controlled by hunting which provides benefits to both the rural community and the economy, than if their only option is to eradicate by trapping, poisoning or shooting.
Posted by
DoTheRightThing
July 02, 2010 at 11:06
This, the smoking ban and giving the BoE power over rate setting are the ONLY good things Labour did in 13 years.
Please do NOT overturn this ban. I don't care if they are pests to some people, this is a cruel recreational activity.
Please do NOT overturn this ban. I don't care if they are pests to some people, this is a cruel recreational activity.
Posted by
Peteray
July 02, 2010 at 12:22
This law should never be repealed.
Fox hunting enthusiasts - I prefer tyhe tern sadists - say that it is a form of pest control. So why have a closed season unless to allow the further breading of the species. Its just cruelty an bloodlust. I'm surprised that they do not want to bring back bear baiting, after all that went on for hundreds of years and was only banned in 1835.
This law should never be repealed.
Fox hunting enthusiasts - I prefer tyhe tern sadists - say that it is a form of pest control. So why have a closed season unless to allow the further breading of the species. Its just cruelty an bloodlust. I'm surprised that they do not want to bring back bear baiting, after all that went on for hundreds of years and was only banned in 1835.
This law should never be repealed.
Posted by
bazhawkeye
July 02, 2010 at 12:53
Townies and Bunny Huggers do not understand the damage foxes do in the countryside. I suppose it's ok with them to have 50 chickens slaughtered in one night by a fox, who will only take one away, or a new born lamb ripped from its mother as it's being born, or a cow being maimed and then having to be killed because the fox went inside her vagina to get the afterbirth before she had time to shed it herself. Foxes kill for pleasure - huntsmen kill for conservation and protection of livestock. It is time people who have no knowledge only their prejudiced ideals, kept out of matters which don't concern them. If they really did care about animal welfare, have a go at battery farms or whale / seal hunting. Leave fox hunting alone, it's the most humane way to kill and control fox populations.
Posted by
BernardPound
July 02, 2010 at 13:26
Apart from the undoubted damage done by foxes - have any of the proponents of the ban seen a lamb torn to pieces by a fox? - the act was borne out of class prejudice and must be repealed.
Posted by
perfectblue
July 02, 2010 at 15:35
I like foxes and don't want them hunted for fun.
Posted by
petercat
July 02, 2010 at 15:40
Absolutely not! Keep it banned!
Posted by
jaz
July 02, 2010 at 15:44
Firstly, hunting in the countryside is not going to prevent things like the alleged attack on the twin girls or the toddler in Brighton. Those things happened in TOWNS. Hunting only serves to drive more foxes out of the countryside and into the towns.
Secondly, the hunts still go on, more foxes are killed on the roads by hunts, you CANNOT claim this is for cull purposes because the hunts had/have such little affect on the population.
Thirdly, as others have said, we are in the 21st century. Hunting animals (bear in mind they want to repeal all the blood sport bans, which includes badger baiting with dogs and hare coursing) for FUN is not acceptable for people who supposedly have morals.
Hunting actually damages the countryside, can end with peoples' pets being killed. Controlling the population of foxes/vermin (ugh) with more humane means? FINE. Hunting is purely for fun and those of you saying otherwise are just kidding yourselves.
NO. Keep the ban. And start policing it properly.
Secondly, the hunts still go on, more foxes are killed on the roads by hunts, you CANNOT claim this is for cull purposes because the hunts had/have such little affect on the population.
Thirdly, as others have said, we are in the 21st century. Hunting animals (bear in mind they want to repeal all the blood sport bans, which includes badger baiting with dogs and hare coursing) for FUN is not acceptable for people who supposedly have morals.
Hunting actually damages the countryside, can end with peoples' pets being killed. Controlling the population of foxes/vermin (ugh) with more humane means? FINE. Hunting is purely for fun and those of you saying otherwise are just kidding yourselves.
NO. Keep the ban. And start policing it properly.
Posted by
bechanaderyn
July 02, 2010 at 15:47
NO the ban should not be repealed. It is a cruel method of controlling the fox population. It has no place in the 21st century. I live in a rural area, I am not a 'townie' who has no clue. That some people would enjoy this particular form of hunting does mean it should be legal again.
Posted by
jaz
July 02, 2010 at 15:48
As for attacks on lambs I had read that farmers have admitted foxes don't attack them, they only come along and eat them when they're already dead for whatever reason.
Posted by
paulakirby
July 02, 2010 at 15:48
Absolutely NOT.
Hunting with dogs is barbaric. One commenter above asks whether we've seen a lamb torn to pieces by a fox. Nature is cruel, but at least the fox is just trying to eat, just like any other wild creature. What eagles or owls or sparrowhawks do to their prey isn't pretty either. But hunting involves foxes being torn to pieces by dogs - for SPORT. Come on - this is meant to be a civilised country. That means there's no place in it for barbaric practices like this. I couldn't be less interested in class politics. This is about decency, not class.
Hunting with dogs is barbaric. One commenter above asks whether we've seen a lamb torn to pieces by a fox. Nature is cruel, but at least the fox is just trying to eat, just like any other wild creature. What eagles or owls or sparrowhawks do to their prey isn't pretty either. But hunting involves foxes being torn to pieces by dogs - for SPORT. Come on - this is meant to be a civilised country. That means there's no place in it for barbaric practices like this. I couldn't be less interested in class politics. This is about decency, not class.
Posted by
jaz
July 02, 2010 at 15:50
"Leave fox hunting alone, it's the most humane way to kill and control fox populations."
The most humane way? Shooting them is far more humane than letting dogs rip them to shreds. As I have said, hunting has little impact on the population of foxes. Yes foxes can do damage to livestock and farmers with gun licences can shoot them, this is fine.
The most humane way? Shooting them is far more humane than letting dogs rip them to shreds. As I have said, hunting has little impact on the population of foxes. Yes foxes can do damage to livestock and farmers with gun licences can shoot them, this is fine.
Posted by
jaz
July 02, 2010 at 15:51
"Leave fox hunting alone, it's the most humane way to kill and control fox populations."
The most humane way? Shooting them is far more humane than letting dogs rip them to shreds. As I have said, hunting has little impact on the population of foxes. Yes foxes can do damage to livestock and farmers with gun licences can shoot them, this is fine.
The most humane way? Shooting them is far more humane than letting dogs rip them to shreds. As I have said, hunting has little impact on the population of foxes. Yes foxes can do damage to livestock and farmers with gun licences can shoot them, this is fine.
Posted by
janeco
July 02, 2010 at 15:55
Please strengthen the ban. People and other animals in the countryside have suffered enough, quite apart from the barbarism inflicted by one (supposedly intelligent) species for "fun" on another. Anything else would be a retrograde step.
Posted by
paulahobson
July 02, 2010 at 15:56
I thought we were living in the 21st century? Fox hunting is a barbaric passtime of the PAST when people were semi illiterate and weren't educated...that said, reading some of the spelling of pro comments above here tell me that a lot of people in this country are still AS illiterate! How anyone can derive 'pleasure' in not just destroying, but chasing and frightening to exhaustion, and then ripping apart a beautiful creature is really beyond my comprehension, and I actually find it disturbing to realise that there are so many people in this SICK and TWISTED country with so many 'murderous' tendencies within them to be honest! It's sick, evil, and downright cruel, and anyone who derives pleasure or agrees with this so called 'sport' clearly do NOT deserve the title of 'human being'...because they aren't one, simples! KEEP FOX HUNTING BANNED and let's have a 'moron cull' instead, and we ALL know who they are don't we ???!?!?!!
Posted by
ljleach
July 02, 2010 at 15:59
I think fox hunting with hounds should STAY Banned!! it is setting the wrong example to our children x i asked my 8 year old son, after explaining about it to him .what he thought and guess what he said ?? its TIGHT. It is very disturbing seeing a fox being ripped to shreds by a pack of blood thirsty hounds ,or any other Animal. I will feel very shocked and saddened if they lift the ban on this evil, cruel, bloodthirsty activity .
Posted by
janeco
July 02, 2010 at 15:59
Please strengthen the ban. People and other animals in the countryside have suffered enough, quite apart from the barbarism inflicted by one (supposedly intelligent) species for "fun" on another. Anything else would be a retrograde step.
Bravo the above comment!
Bravo the above comment!
Posted by
janeco
July 02, 2010 at 16:00
Please strengthen the ban. People and other animals in the countryside have suffered enough, quite apart from the barbarism inflicted by one (supposedly intelligent) species for "fun" on another. Anything else would be a retrograde step.
Bravo the above comment!
Bravo the above comment!
Posted by
ljleach
July 02, 2010 at 16:00
I think fox hunting with hounds should STAY Banned!! it is setting the wrong example to our children x i asked my 8 year old son, after explaining about it to him .what he thought and guess what he said ?? its TIGHT. It is very disturbing seeing a fox being ripped to shreds by a pack of blood thirsty hounds ,or any other Animal. I will feel very shocked and saddened if they lift the ban on this evil, cruel, bloodthirsty activity .
Posted by
janeco
July 02, 2010 at 16:00
Please strengthen the ban. People and other animals in the countryside have suffered enough, quite apart from the barbarism inflicted by one (supposedly intelligent) species for "fun" on another. Anything else would be a retrograde step.
Bravo the above comment!
Bravo the above comment!
Posted by
michaeldavid
July 02, 2010 at 16:03
The idea that hunting is needed for fox population control is like a two way mirror, on the one side the mass of the population who can see through it and on the other side the hunters who only see themselves. If it were true why is it neccessary for land owners to get their tennant farmers to breed foxes?
Posted by
Pastryfighter
July 02, 2010 at 16:06
Hunting, baiting or harming ANY animal at all for sport or pleasure should be banned and STAY banned.
Posted by
Pastryfighter
July 02, 2010 at 16:06
Hunting, baiting or harming ANY animal at all for sport or pleasure should be banned and STAY banned.
Posted by
lts
July 02, 2010 at 16:12
While you're at it, bring back bear baiting, cock fighting and what about gladiators and slaves???? Bringing back fox hunting is a backward step. A very cruel sport for the psychopathic wealthy. Don't do it.
Posted by
lts
July 02, 2010 at 16:12
While you're at it, bring back bear baiting, cock fighting and what about gladiators and slaves???? Bringing back fox hunting is a backward step. A very cruel sport for the psychopathic wealthy. Don't do it.
Posted by
mike_gooding
July 02, 2010 at 16:26
Do NOT repeal this act. Fox hunting is barbaric. For those who would say I'm a "townie" or "bunny hugger", I'm no animal rights activist, and grew up in deepest rural Devon for 21 years. My next door neighbour, a lifelong devon farmer, is vehemently opposed to fox hunting, and prefers to "shoot the buggers instead" - his words. Pro-hunt arguments are easily picked apart by anyone with an ounce of sense. As for those who cry about their "liberties" being infringed by this law, you should NEVER have the liberty to be cruel to animals. Is my liberty to kill whoever I want infringed by murder laws?
Posted by
anjinsan9000
July 02, 2010 at 16:45
I can't believe that this is even up for debate again. Fox hunting in this manner is wrong on every level. I agree that the fox population needs to be controlled but this should be done in a humane sensible manner.
As with all of us I have great sympathy for the children who were attacked by foxes and their families. I however fail to see how legalized hunting could have prevented this. I would like to ask as to why we are talking about allowing this blood sport but nobody ever talks about reintroducing bear baiting or cock fighting. How is this in anyway different?
As with all of us I have great sympathy for the children who were attacked by foxes and their families. I however fail to see how legalized hunting could have prevented this. I would like to ask as to why we are talking about allowing this blood sport but nobody ever talks about reintroducing bear baiting or cock fighting. How is this in anyway different?
Posted by
Neesh71
July 02, 2010 at 16:46
Strengthen the Hunting Ban and DO NOT repeal it. We live in the 21st century in a supposedly civilised society and the Tories are wanting to pay back the very nice donation from the rich Countryside Alliance and bring back this cruel and barbaric "sport" despite 75% of the population wanting a ban on hunting to stay in place. I thought that we lived in a democracy and that those in power were supposed to listen to what the people wanted!!! I don't know how anyone can claim that hunting is a humane way to kill an animal....chase it for miles with a pack of bloodthirsty dogs (and people on horseback)until it can run no more and then watch it being ripped to pieces, and all for fun. There is plenty of video footage out there on the internet (although it is very distressing and disturbing) showing hunts and their practices and I cannot understand how any human being with any compassion can say that it is the most effective way of killing a fox (or deer, hare or badger). I do understand that sometimes animals need to be culled but it should be done as quickly and as painlessly as possible and certainly not for the sick pleasure of a few people. KEEP THE BAN AND STRENGTHEN IT!
Posted by
anjinsan9000
July 02, 2010 at 16:48
I can't believe that this is even up for debate again. Fox hunting in this manner is wrong on every level. I agree that the fox population needs to be controlled but this should be done in a humane sensible manner.
As with all of us I have great sympathy for the children who were attacked by foxes and their families. I however fail to see how legalized hunting could have prevented this. I would like to ask as to why we are talking about allowing this blood sport but nobody ever talks about reintroducing bear baiting or cock fighting. How is this in anyway different?
As with all of us I have great sympathy for the children who were attacked by foxes and their families. I however fail to see how legalized hunting could have prevented this. I would like to ask as to why we are talking about allowing this blood sport but nobody ever talks about reintroducing bear baiting or cock fighting. How is this in anyway different?
Posted by
karlw99
July 02, 2010 at 16:59
KEEP THE BAN
The government wish to take the country forward. HA. And they think this is the way. To allow bloods sports to be legalised is an utter disgrace. It's worng, cruel and unnesessary. To allow people ( thats not the world for this kind of human ) to chase animals and watch the torn apart as a for of entertainment sickens me. The ban was put inplace for a reason. It shouldn't be what people want it's a case that this is CRUEL and has no place in this society. The laws need to be strengthened. Any animal protection society would prosecute animal abusers. But this would be exempt as it's a blood sport and legalised. Shame on you who Cameron. Can we expect to see 'live' fox hunts on Channel 4 ?
The government wish to take the country forward. HA. And they think this is the way. To allow bloods sports to be legalised is an utter disgrace. It's worng, cruel and unnesessary. To allow people ( thats not the world for this kind of human ) to chase animals and watch the torn apart as a for of entertainment sickens me. The ban was put inplace for a reason. It shouldn't be what people want it's a case that this is CRUEL and has no place in this society. The laws need to be strengthened. Any animal protection society would prosecute animal abusers. But this would be exempt as it's a blood sport and legalised. Shame on you who Cameron. Can we expect to see 'live' fox hunts on Channel 4 ?
Posted by
gemmapenn
July 02, 2010 at 17:05
I'm not sure which aspect of the many aspects of hunting I find more troubling...
The actual killing of an animal by means of it being pursued until it is too exhausted to run any more and, upon capture, being torn to pieces by an entire pack of dogs. The act of 'cubbing' in which young foxhounds are taken into woodland with experienced hounds and hunters and trained to kill by practicing on slow, inexperienced fox cubs. That foxhounds themselves, ones that show no blood-lust or are no longer useful after they have grown too old to hunt, are disposed of, often by a bullet to the head. Or that a human being, supposedly intelligent and civilised, can derive any sort or pleasure, satisfaction or thrill from from the pursuit and, ultimately, death of a living creature. To look down at the bloody carcass of something that, mer minutes ago was living - would still be living if not for you - and actually feel an inner satisfaction at that fact. It's highly disturbing.
It's the same morbid enjoyment that I imagine bear baiters, dog fighters and cock fighters feel when they engage in their own blood 'sports' and are these people's chosen methods of animal cruelty to be described as a 'civil liberties' too?
These hunting ban laws need tightening and enforcing, not repealing. There is nothing sporting in this practice and there never has been. If an animal becomes a pest it should be disposed of or relocated in a humane manner, with as little suffering to it as possible.
To turn the ending of life into a jaunty little cross-country game is beyond sick.
The actual killing of an animal by means of it being pursued until it is too exhausted to run any more and, upon capture, being torn to pieces by an entire pack of dogs. The act of 'cubbing' in which young foxhounds are taken into woodland with experienced hounds and hunters and trained to kill by practicing on slow, inexperienced fox cubs. That foxhounds themselves, ones that show no blood-lust or are no longer useful after they have grown too old to hunt, are disposed of, often by a bullet to the head. Or that a human being, supposedly intelligent and civilised, can derive any sort or pleasure, satisfaction or thrill from from the pursuit and, ultimately, death of a living creature. To look down at the bloody carcass of something that, mer minutes ago was living - would still be living if not for you - and actually feel an inner satisfaction at that fact. It's highly disturbing.
It's the same morbid enjoyment that I imagine bear baiters, dog fighters and cock fighters feel when they engage in their own blood 'sports' and are these people's chosen methods of animal cruelty to be described as a 'civil liberties' too?
These hunting ban laws need tightening and enforcing, not repealing. There is nothing sporting in this practice and there never has been. If an animal becomes a pest it should be disposed of or relocated in a humane manner, with as little suffering to it as possible.
To turn the ending of life into a jaunty little cross-country game is beyond sick.
Posted by
anjinsan9000
July 02, 2010 at 17:06
@dazzledonut Are you having a laugh?
Posted by
dragonrat
July 02, 2010 at 17:14
Absolutely not; barbaric
Posted by
AndiK
July 02, 2010 at 17:35
Hunting is the quickest, most selective and most humane way of killing foxes. There has been no benefit to the countryside or the wildlife since the ban was enforced in 2004. Police time is better spent elsewhere. KEEP HUNTING AND FIGHT THE BAN
Posted by
Wayne1965
July 02, 2010 at 17:39
Keep the ban. Strengthen it. Enforce it properly.
This has nothing to do with class but has everything to do with animal cruelty. If it infringes on your "rights" to have fun with your horse and hounds... take up drag hunting!
And bringing the attack on the twins in London into the argument is NOT the way to go. You don't hunt urban foxes on horseback with a pack of baying hounds!!!
This has nothing to do with class but has everything to do with animal cruelty. If it infringes on your "rights" to have fun with your horse and hounds... take up drag hunting!
And bringing the attack on the twins in London into the argument is NOT the way to go. You don't hunt urban foxes on horseback with a pack of baying hounds!!!
Posted by
Teresakittykat
July 02, 2010 at 17:54
Absolutely not! This ban needs to be enforced properly not repealed. Hunting is barbaric, and to bring it back, make it legal again is a step backwards for animal rights.
Posted by
srussell
July 02, 2010 at 18:08
Hunting is cruel and barbaric. It does nothing to reduce the number of foxes or support countryside industry. Keep the ban, strengthen and enforce it...
Posted by
DanNickson
July 02, 2010 at 18:11
No chance, this law represnted the will of 75% of the British people I would think the government's got better things to with it's time than love up to some sadistic toffs.
Posted by
foxfire1970
July 02, 2010 at 18:12
such an ignorant and narrow minded request!
Humankind has created a monster by introducing intensive animal farming yet failing to provide adequate protection for the flock.
Over the years we have managed to wipe out natural predators for foxes through ignorance and fear - the balance of nature has been completely ruined because of us.
Claiming that foxes are vermin is a pathetic argument, and to state that hunting must be re-introduced to prevent further incidents like the babies that were attacked is beyond fathomable - there was no evidence AT ALL to back-up the parents claims that foxes were involved in the attacks on their children; and since when did we hunt through urban streets?
I live in a VERY rural community and have a balanced view of hunting and nature; I know how hunts work and the underhanded tactics used to ensure a kill - IE: starving the hounds, digging out foxes and releasing them in specific locations. That sure as hell stinks of hunting for the thrill to me.
Hunts cause so much damage to rural property and domestic animals. I have seen private gardens destroyed, a cat ripped to shreds, dogs terrorised and fields of crops damaged. Therefore hunting with dogs is not civilised and DOES NOT effectively control fox numbers.
My father is a gamekeeper (much to my personal annoyance) and he refuses to grant permission for the North Ledbury Hunt to come onto his estate.
Humankind has created a monster by introducing intensive animal farming yet failing to provide adequate protection for the flock.
Over the years we have managed to wipe out natural predators for foxes through ignorance and fear - the balance of nature has been completely ruined because of us.
Claiming that foxes are vermin is a pathetic argument, and to state that hunting must be re-introduced to prevent further incidents like the babies that were attacked is beyond fathomable - there was no evidence AT ALL to back-up the parents claims that foxes were involved in the attacks on their children; and since when did we hunt through urban streets?
I live in a VERY rural community and have a balanced view of hunting and nature; I know how hunts work and the underhanded tactics used to ensure a kill - IE: starving the hounds, digging out foxes and releasing them in specific locations. That sure as hell stinks of hunting for the thrill to me.
Hunts cause so much damage to rural property and domestic animals. I have seen private gardens destroyed, a cat ripped to shreds, dogs terrorised and fields of crops damaged. Therefore hunting with dogs is not civilised and DOES NOT effectively control fox numbers.
My father is a gamekeeper (much to my personal annoyance) and he refuses to grant permission for the North Ledbury Hunt to come onto his estate.
Posted by
bfelix
July 02, 2010 at 18:26
KEEP THE BAN
The Hunting Act should NEVER be repealed. It should be strengthened. Killing an animal for fun is something that should never be tolerated - people who derive enjoyment in this way need medical help. Such cruelty has no place in a civilised 21st century society and must remain where it belongs - in the history books, along with bear baiting, cock-fighting and public hangings. KEEP AND STRENGTHEN THE HUNTING BAN.
The Hunting Act should NEVER be repealed. It should be strengthened. Killing an animal for fun is something that should never be tolerated - people who derive enjoyment in this way need medical help. Such cruelty has no place in a civilised 21st century society and must remain where it belongs - in the history books, along with bear baiting, cock-fighting and public hangings. KEEP AND STRENGTHEN THE HUNTING BAN.
Posted by
BPimm
July 02, 2010 at 18:32
If the Tories want to be the Nasty Party again they know what to do.
Alternatively, they can KEEP THE BAN.
Alternatively, they can KEEP THE BAN.
Posted by
theedoktor
July 02, 2010 at 18:33
Killing for entertainment should be relegated to the past where it belongs. Hunting with packs of dogs, as the countryside alliance keep stating, is a RURAL activity and therefore wouldn't have stopped the 2 city children getting bitten. Plus, get a sense of proportion, in 2008 (the most recent figures i can find) 54 children a week (2807 in total) were injured or killed by CARS. Shall we hunt drivers? And as for foxes killing farm animals, what were the farmers going to do to them, keep them as pets? Its ridiculous. Let nature find its own balance, leave it alone and natural selection will work it out.
Posted by
twane1
July 02, 2010 at 18:47
Barbaric practise, anybody who enjoys this sick practice is a disgrace
Posted by
pessimisticpig
July 02, 2010 at 19:39
I've not yet heard one good reason for fox hunting. It is all lies, proven by the hunters themselves when they are caught building artificial earths and feeding the foxes. Wild animals will be wild animals: they will eat what they can when they can for when food is more scarce. When humans build on their territories they have to take responsibility - that should mean having consideration for things other than themselves.
Posted by
ianprice
July 02, 2010 at 19:49
Economy, traditions, whatever. Any excuse.
This act of barbarism should NOT be repealed and it should NEVER see the light of day, it should never be discussed and should take it's place in shame in the history books. ripping apart a wild animal for kicks has nothing to do with sport, it is perverse and revolting and those taking part are the vermin of society.
Should this government do the right thing it is making sure those that break the law that has been rightfully passed on this are punished accordingly and made an example of the shameful examples of cruekty they are, disgusting habit.
This act of barbarism should NOT be repealed and it should NEVER see the light of day, it should never be discussed and should take it's place in shame in the history books. ripping apart a wild animal for kicks has nothing to do with sport, it is perverse and revolting and those taking part are the vermin of society.
Should this government do the right thing it is making sure those that break the law that has been rightfully passed on this are punished accordingly and made an example of the shameful examples of cruekty they are, disgusting habit.
Posted by
mpmansell
July 02, 2010 at 19:50
This is one of the few good bills that the previous government passed.
I grew up living and farming in the country and can, quite categorically, say just how much rubbish are the claims that this bill is destructive to the countryside. Hunting is not universally liked and, in fact, the hunts tend to act as laws unto themselves. I myself have had serious run-ins and threats from one hunt when I threatened them with legal action for upsetting my stock and damaging my land after I had told them that they would not be allowed to cross our land or hunt on it. Frankly these thugs and savages should not be permitted to restart this barbaric past time.
Foxes are not the hazard that people make them out to be and, if you are respectful and sensible, it is mre than possible to live alongside them, accepting the benefits they present when it comes to keeping down numbers of rats and other vermin.
Occasionally a cull is needed and this can be very adequately managed by means of a foot hunt - the local one had my full support, when it was needed.
In this day and age, allowing people to slaghter animals for fun is unacceptable, no matter what hype and propaganda they push forth.
I grew up living and farming in the country and can, quite categorically, say just how much rubbish are the claims that this bill is destructive to the countryside. Hunting is not universally liked and, in fact, the hunts tend to act as laws unto themselves. I myself have had serious run-ins and threats from one hunt when I threatened them with legal action for upsetting my stock and damaging my land after I had told them that they would not be allowed to cross our land or hunt on it. Frankly these thugs and savages should not be permitted to restart this barbaric past time.
Foxes are not the hazard that people make them out to be and, if you are respectful and sensible, it is mre than possible to live alongside them, accepting the benefits they present when it comes to keeping down numbers of rats and other vermin.
Occasionally a cull is needed and this can be very adequately managed by means of a foot hunt - the local one had my full support, when it was needed.
In this day and age, allowing people to slaghter animals for fun is unacceptable, no matter what hype and propaganda they push forth.
Posted by
hpdavies
July 02, 2010 at 20:09
FIGHT THE BAN, FIGHT THE OPPRESSION
the hunting community is a good and an honest one,
dont judge them if you dont know them, FIGHT THE BAN,FIGHT THE PREJUDICE.
I am a proud fieldsportsman and I hate people who judge us when they dont even know us.
the hunting community is a good and an honest one,
dont judge them if you dont know them, FIGHT THE BAN,FIGHT THE PREJUDICE.
I am a proud fieldsportsman and I hate people who judge us when they dont even know us.
Posted by
stevejh
July 02, 2010 at 20:29
the hunting crowd said that it was a waste of parliamentary time creating a law to ban hunting with dogs. funny how they don't mind wasting parliamentary time fighting the ban.
Posted by
babitha123
July 02, 2010 at 20:38
NO. Strengthen the law, don't repeal. Its a barbaric practice. see aminoritypastime.net for more info
Posted by
kpoland
July 02, 2010 at 20:45
no way! hunting with dogs is barbaric animal cruelty! it doesn't control the fox population and is just an excuse for sick people to get there jollys out of watching a dog tear an animal limb from limb it is no different dog fighting or badger baiting! no animal should ever have to suffer under the banner of sport!
Posted by
mick77
July 02, 2010 at 21:06
Bringing back fox hunting would be a step back for the uk and humanity,dont believe the propaganda in the sun regarding foxes, foxhunting is sick and perverse.
Posted by
gtmanning
July 02, 2010 at 21:24
Saying fox hunting is an important part of the rural economy is like saying dog fighting is an important part of the urban economy. It doesn't justify the horrific and unnecessary cruelty. Keep the Hunting Act and in response to David Cameron saying "it does not work", MAKE it work, enforce it more, tighten it up. There is no good reason for repealing the hunting act, besides to bring back a blodsport for a rich minority of bloodthirsty country dwellers, whom the majority of the public (whom voted for this government) do not want to see allowed to partake in this needless sport. And for the record, Foxes are not vermin, they are highly emotional Canids (dogs) with complex social and emotional capacities close to that of the domestic dog. Scientifically it is unnacceptable to call Foxes vermin, rats are more accurately labelled vermin, and Foxes keep rat numbers down, particularly for the farmers who need that vital service from the fox. Do not repeal the Hunting Act, at least for Science, but also for compassion and understanding of a highly social and emotional animal, the Fox.
Posted by
vegi
July 02, 2010 at 22:39
"Acts of cruelty to animals are not mere indications of a minor personality flaw in the abuser; they are symptomatic of a deep mental disturbance".
Full article via PETA website: http://www.peta.org/mc/factsheet_display.asp?ID=132
Full article via PETA website: http://www.peta.org/mc/factsheet_display.asp?ID=132
Posted by
gizmo
July 02, 2010 at 22:40
No,this law should never be repealed. It should be strengthened if anything to close the numerous loopholes.
Hunting with dogs is not population control, if they are that big a nuisance get a properly trained marksman to cull them. They are easy enough to attract. Hunting with dogs is cruel and barbaric and not something all "country folk" enjoy. I grew up in the country in an area with a hunt, and I think it is disgusting and does nothing more than satisfy the bloodlust of a select few. Foxes are not about to go out and start attacking children everywhere, what about the numerous pets, and people who have been injured by hunt packs storming through their property? The hunt dogs hit by cars and trains because the people on horseback directing them don't give a monkeys! Do not bring back hunting with dogs, we are supposed to be a civilised nation with a coalition goverment speaking for the voice of the majority, not a country promoting bloodlust and animal cruelty as out heritage and future!
Hunting with dogs is not population control, if they are that big a nuisance get a properly trained marksman to cull them. They are easy enough to attract. Hunting with dogs is cruel and barbaric and not something all "country folk" enjoy. I grew up in the country in an area with a hunt, and I think it is disgusting and does nothing more than satisfy the bloodlust of a select few. Foxes are not about to go out and start attacking children everywhere, what about the numerous pets, and people who have been injured by hunt packs storming through their property? The hunt dogs hit by cars and trains because the people on horseback directing them don't give a monkeys! Do not bring back hunting with dogs, we are supposed to be a civilised nation with a coalition goverment speaking for the voice of the majority, not a country promoting bloodlust and animal cruelty as out heritage and future!
Posted by
hana2904
July 02, 2010 at 23:53
Have lived in the country my whole life (20yrs) on a farm, which my grandparents use to let the hunt the use, as the paid cash to gallop through one field, so from up til about 13 I was pro-hunting. Yet in my yr 9 world issues project I decided to research fox hunting, staring as a pro-hunt. By the end I was so appalled at the stupidity of it all my whole project and perspective changed, all the arguments for are nonsense, the economic benefits only seem to be because very rich farmers can afford to pay cash to poor farmers like my grandparents, who no longer let the hunt use their fields due to my school project. Hunting foxes is not only treating a creature, who feels pain in the same way we do, in the most irresponsible manner, what if fox could talk and tell us what it feel like to be ripped apart, we criticise the states and secret services for torture, a fox has the same nerve endings and pain receptors we do, so people are torturing an animal in the most medial manner, but the dogs, the dogs are treated appalling bred be killers who don’t eat their prey and there is evidence of cases of cannibalistic behaviour due to ill treatment used to fire the dogs up to hunt, what is essentially their relative , biological speaking. Its the people who hunt foxes in the county who have helped create the urban fox population by scaring them into moving for survival, (hunting just displaced the so called problem) that and of course we have completely destroyed their habitat. What is next are we going to staring allowing women who have cheated on their husbands, or even just suspected, be chased and stoned like the dark ages, or are even more exacting lets bring back the witch trails both are about useful and humane as fox hunting. Also due to proper maintenance of the farm we have only had 3 fox attacks on the sheep in seven years, bloody massive pest problem that is J
Posted by
hana2904
July 02, 2010 at 23:53
Have lived in the country my whole life (20yrs) on a farm, which my grandparents use to let the hunt the use, as the paid cash to gallop through one field, so from up til about 13 I was pro-hunting. Yet in my yr 9 world issues project I decided to research fox hunting, staring as a pro-hunt. By the end I was so appalled at the stupidity of it all my whole project and perspective changed, all the arguments for are nonsense, the economic benefits only seem to be because very rich farmers can afford to pay cash to poor farmers like my grandparents, who no longer let the hunt use their fields due to my school project. Hunting foxes is not only treating a creature, who feels pain in the same way we do, in the most irresponsible manner, what if fox could talk and tell us what it feel like to be ripped apart, we criticise the states and secret services for torture, a fox has the same nerve endings and pain receptors we do, so people are torturing an animal in the most medial manner, but the dogs, the dogs are treated appalling bred be killers who don’t eat their prey and there is evidence of cases of cannibalistic behaviour due to ill treatment used to fire the dogs up to hunt, what is essentially their relative , biological speaking. Its the people who hunt foxes in the county who have helped create the urban fox population by scaring them into moving for survival, (hunting just displaced the so called problem) that and of course we have completely destroyed their habitat. What is next are we going to staring allowing women who have cheated on their husbands, or even just suspected, be chased and stoned like the dark ages, or are even more exacting lets bring back the witch trails both are about useful and humane as fox hunting. Also due to proper maintenance of the farm we have only had 3 fox attacks on the sheep in seven years, bloody massive pest problem that is J
Posted by
Spidey
July 03, 2010 at 01:05
Please please PLEASE do not allow this barbaric pastime (I refuse to call it a 'sport') to be brought back!
And please ensure the ban in enforced!
And please ensure the ban in enforced!
Posted by
lynnbonser
July 03, 2010 at 07:06
Why is this being considered? Why are we bringing back a barbaric bloodsport? In my opinion this was a good law and if this is repealed we are going backwards. This is merely being considered to appease a few people who think it is sport to injure and torture our wildlife. This puts our country in a bad light - stop living in middle ages and get on with runnng the country and addressing important issues.
Posted by
mattril
July 03, 2010 at 09:20
I agree one should not ban somthing simply because of a vocal minority. Labour wasted weeks of debate on this pointless law. Hunting has been a country side tradition for hundreds of years. Please allow people the freedom to hunt. If fox hunting remains banned what about fishing and shooting. How do the police enforce this Act?
Posted by
Michelle2465
July 03, 2010 at 12:04
A vocal minority!!!!!!!! what planet do you live on,, by far the most people in this country are against the barbaric cruelty of fox hunting,, there are many atrocities our people have carried out over the centuries, slowly but surely we are becoming a more compassionate and civilised society, it is slow going but we are getting there, we should not ever be considering taking a huge backward step into being MORE CRUEL ever again, pro fox hunting people should just listen to what they advocate, chasing a poor animal until it is either trapped or can run no more and then have a load of savage dogs rip it to shreds, please don't ever be advocating such a thing and wish in the same breath to call yourselves civilised, the two just don't go together. Move forward and find something kinder to do with your time, this belongs in the list of embarrassing historical things we should be ashamed of and be pleased we have moved forward.
Posted by
SMeader
July 03, 2010 at 13:31
I cannot understand how anyone can justify to themselves or anyone else hunting down a terrified an animal and then ripping it to pieces.
I also can't understand how mostly rich people with more money than sense can build a whole day and industry around this 'sport' - and I feel this is what the fuss is all about really. Not the 'pest control' but the fact that it is enjoyed as a leisure activity and makes a lo of money for, people who in some cases think they are a status above everyone else and above the law.
Some have disdain for the law, no regard for the feelngs of the animals who suffer and for the people who are sickened by this 'sport' and have sometimes attempted to illegally trample across private land to hunt the foxes.
Why there is even consideration of overturning this ban is ludicrous in a civilised country, and there are much better things for the Government to sort out which will benefit the whole country, not just a minority.
I also can't understand how mostly rich people with more money than sense can build a whole day and industry around this 'sport' - and I feel this is what the fuss is all about really. Not the 'pest control' but the fact that it is enjoyed as a leisure activity and makes a lo of money for, people who in some cases think they are a status above everyone else and above the law.
Some have disdain for the law, no regard for the feelngs of the animals who suffer and for the people who are sickened by this 'sport' and have sometimes attempted to illegally trample across private land to hunt the foxes.
Why there is even consideration of overturning this ban is ludicrous in a civilised country, and there are much better things for the Government to sort out which will benefit the whole country, not just a minority.
Posted by
MeginCumbria
July 03, 2010 at 13:42
Definately do not repeal this ban. It needs to be strengthened.
Hunting with dogs is barbaric and cruel. There is no place for it in a civilised society.
I have lived in the countryside all my life. I appreciate all british wildlife.
As a keen fellwalker it has been bliss not to have bloodthirsty people making a lot of noise in persuit of these beautiful animals since the ban. These cruel people charge all over the countryside in 4x4's following the "foot" fell packs of hounds. They will almost run you over to be in at the kill.
It is also horrible to have to inadvertently witness the cubbing, and terrier men at work. When out walking you cannot avoid seeing what it going on. It is sick! These people taking pleasure out of torturing and killing animals are sick!
Please do not lift the ban - strengthen it!
I want the freedom to live in the countryside and not have to witness this cruelty.
Hunting with dogs is barbaric and cruel. There is no place for it in a civilised society.
I have lived in the countryside all my life. I appreciate all british wildlife.
As a keen fellwalker it has been bliss not to have bloodthirsty people making a lot of noise in persuit of these beautiful animals since the ban. These cruel people charge all over the countryside in 4x4's following the "foot" fell packs of hounds. They will almost run you over to be in at the kill.
It is also horrible to have to inadvertently witness the cubbing, and terrier men at work. When out walking you cannot avoid seeing what it going on. It is sick! These people taking pleasure out of torturing and killing animals are sick!
Please do not lift the ban - strengthen it!
I want the freedom to live in the countryside and not have to witness this cruelty.
Posted by
essjayess
July 03, 2010 at 14:17
two things
First: No. Of course don't repeal the ban. If you are making an arguement for population control and risk reduction then let's debate that.
Hunting is a "Sport". A leaisure activity. One where people enjoy killing animals. There are other ways to stimulate the Rural Economy, lets find one the population as whole doesn't find objectionable or cruel.
And maybe man up and admit to enjoying Hunting rather than hiding behind these gossamer thin arguements.
Second: Perhaps I'm just a Wooly Lefty (clue: I am) but I think there are far more pressing civil liberty issues to look at in the world today than whether people get to go Fox Hunting on a sunny sunday morning.
No??
First: No. Of course don't repeal the ban. If you are making an arguement for population control and risk reduction then let's debate that.
Hunting is a "Sport". A leaisure activity. One where people enjoy killing animals. There are other ways to stimulate the Rural Economy, lets find one the population as whole doesn't find objectionable or cruel.
And maybe man up and admit to enjoying Hunting rather than hiding behind these gossamer thin arguements.
Second: Perhaps I'm just a Wooly Lefty (clue: I am) but I think there are far more pressing civil liberty issues to look at in the world today than whether people get to go Fox Hunting on a sunny sunday morning.
No??
Posted by
Galleon
July 03, 2010 at 15:27
It's amazing how some people are using a few fox attacks on children to bring back a "sport" that is barbaric to get rid of foxes. Should we also get rid of every dog in the country, as far more dogs have attacked and even killed children and adults alike.
Posted by
FranNewForest
July 03, 2010 at 17:37
Do not repeal the hunting act - hunting is a cruel unnecessary sport. Full stop. Thank you.
Posted by
ehej
July 03, 2010 at 23:15
I don't think the hunting ban should be repealed.I have talked to chaps who deal with problem foxes and they certainly do not enlist gangs of absurdly dressed people to come and gallop around making an appalling racket.
Posted by
JEllington
July 04, 2010 at 05:29
Do not repeal. Any activity that relates any form of animal control to entertainment is perverse.
Posted by
Beefbeefbeef
July 04, 2010 at 08:05
What is telling is that such a discussion would never get off the ground in a country such as France where there is far more connection with the land and all forms of hunting are regarded as important non-negotiables.
The UK is one of the most urbanised countries in the world which throws up all manner of people who have no grasp of the issues. They do not buy meat unless it is wrapped in cellophane, they would not know how to pod a pea or ring a chicken's neck.
I don't think these people are qualified to inform the debate. Don't tell me what I can and can't do here in the countryside and I won't tell you who what handbag you should be wearing this season.
The UK is one of the most urbanised countries in the world which throws up all manner of people who have no grasp of the issues. They do not buy meat unless it is wrapped in cellophane, they would not know how to pod a pea or ring a chicken's neck.
I don't think these people are qualified to inform the debate. Don't tell me what I can and can't do here in the countryside and I won't tell you who what handbag you should be wearing this season.
Posted by
gangstamillion
July 04, 2010 at 13:17
From what I can tell Foxes are fluffy Wasps without stingers. Though I'm not directly affected by them (yet) one of my friends used to have hens until they were killed by foxes and some of them weren't even eaten so its not as if they kill for food or anything they do it for the sake of it.
I am all for bringing hunting back but do not use dogs ust use rifles or shotguns instead.
I am all for bringing hunting back but do not use dogs ust use rifles or shotguns instead.
Posted by
krissie
July 04, 2010 at 16:36
It's a barbaric sport and a cruel and unjust way of killing innocent animals. Imagine the terror that the poor creature goes through before it's death by hunting. Can you really justify that? No. There is no way to justify the senseless killing of animals.
Everyone that is for hunting should be subjected to that kind of terror. Something tells me you wouldn't be so up for it if it were you being hunted. I think it's absolutely DISGUSTING. I for one take pleasure in seeing animals running throughout urban areas. It just makes me happy to see a little fox or rabbit in the street.
How dare you prioritise your entertainment over the life of an animal!
Everyone that is for hunting should be subjected to that kind of terror. Something tells me you wouldn't be so up for it if it were you being hunted. I think it's absolutely DISGUSTING. I for one take pleasure in seeing animals running throughout urban areas. It just makes me happy to see a little fox or rabbit in the street.
How dare you prioritise your entertainment over the life of an animal!
Posted by
krissie
July 04, 2010 at 16:36
It's a barbaric sport and a cruel and unjust way of killing innocent animals. Imagine the terror that the poor creature goes through before it's death by hunting. Can you really justify that? No. There is no way to justify the senseless killing of animals.
Everyone that is for hunting should be subjected to that kind of terror. Something tells me you wouldn't be so up for it if it were you being hunted. I think it's absolutely DISGUSTING. I for one take pleasure in seeing animals running throughout urban areas. It just makes me happy to see a little fox or rabbit in the street.
How dare you prioritise your entertainment over the life of an animal!
Everyone that is for hunting should be subjected to that kind of terror. Something tells me you wouldn't be so up for it if it were you being hunted. I think it's absolutely DISGUSTING. I for one take pleasure in seeing animals running throughout urban areas. It just makes me happy to see a little fox or rabbit in the street.
How dare you prioritise your entertainment over the life of an animal!
Posted by
krissie
July 04, 2010 at 16:36
It's a barbaric sport and a cruel and unjust way of killing innocent animals. Imagine the terror that the poor creature goes through before it's death by hunting. Can you really justify that? No. There is no way to justify the senseless killing of animals.
Everyone that is for hunting should be subjected to that kind of terror. Something tells me you wouldn't be so up for it if it were you being hunted. I think it's absolutely DISGUSTING. I for one take pleasure in seeing animals running throughout urban areas. It just makes me happy to see a little fox or rabbit in the street.
How dare you prioritise your entertainment over the life of an animal!
Everyone that is for hunting should be subjected to that kind of terror. Something tells me you wouldn't be so up for it if it were you being hunted. I think it's absolutely DISGUSTING. I for one take pleasure in seeing animals running throughout urban areas. It just makes me happy to see a little fox or rabbit in the street.
How dare you prioritise your entertainment over the life of an animal!
Posted by
krissie
July 04, 2010 at 16:36
It's a barbaric sport and a cruel and unjust way of killing innocent animals. Imagine the terror that the poor creature goes through before it's death by hunting. Can you really justify that? No. There is no way to justify the senseless killing of animals.
Everyone that is for hunting should be subjected to that kind of terror. Something tells me you wouldn't be so up for it if it were you being hunted. I think it's absolutely DISGUSTING. I for one take pleasure in seeing animals running throughout urban areas. It just makes me happy to see a little fox or rabbit in the street.
How dare you prioritise your entertainment over the life of an animal!
Everyone that is for hunting should be subjected to that kind of terror. Something tells me you wouldn't be so up for it if it were you being hunted. I think it's absolutely DISGUSTING. I for one take pleasure in seeing animals running throughout urban areas. It just makes me happy to see a little fox or rabbit in the street.
How dare you prioritise your entertainment over the life of an animal!
Posted by
krissie
July 04, 2010 at 16:36
It's a barbaric sport and a cruel and unjust way of killing innocent animals. Imagine the terror that the poor creature goes through before it's death by hunting. Can you really justify that? No. There is no way to justify the senseless killing of animals.
Everyone that is for hunting should be subjected to that kind of terror. Something tells me you wouldn't be so up for it if it were you being hunted. I think it's absolutely DISGUSTING. I for one take pleasure in seeing animals running throughout urban areas. It just makes me happy to see a little fox or rabbit in the street.
How dare you prioritise your entertainment over the life of an animal!
Everyone that is for hunting should be subjected to that kind of terror. Something tells me you wouldn't be so up for it if it were you being hunted. I think it's absolutely DISGUSTING. I for one take pleasure in seeing animals running throughout urban areas. It just makes me happy to see a little fox or rabbit in the street.
How dare you prioritise your entertainment over the life of an animal!
Posted by
meller
July 04, 2010 at 17:04
NO NO NO NO NO NO NO!!
Absolutely not! The excuse that they need to be culled is outrageous! If left to their own devices, foxes control their own population without man interfering. They do not need to be tortured and ripped apart!!
DO NOT bring this disgusting law back for the minority of people who cannot get out of the dark ages. We have enough entertainment as it is without ripping apart animals!
Absolutely not! The excuse that they need to be culled is outrageous! If left to their own devices, foxes control their own population without man interfering. They do not need to be tortured and ripped apart!!
DO NOT bring this disgusting law back for the minority of people who cannot get out of the dark ages. We have enough entertainment as it is without ripping apart animals!
Posted by
meller
July 04, 2010 at 17:04
NO NO NO NO NO NO NO!!
Absolutely not! The excuse that they need to be culled is outrageous! If left to their own devices, foxes control their own population without man interfering. They do not need to be tortured and ripped apart!!
DO NOT bring this disgusting law back for the minority of people who cannot get out of the dark ages. We have enough entertainment as it is without ripping apart animals!
Absolutely not! The excuse that they need to be culled is outrageous! If left to their own devices, foxes control their own population without man interfering. They do not need to be tortured and ripped apart!!
DO NOT bring this disgusting law back for the minority of people who cannot get out of the dark ages. We have enough entertainment as it is without ripping apart animals!
Posted by
meller
July 04, 2010 at 17:04
NO NO NO NO NO NO NO!!
Absolutely not! The excuse that they need to be culled is outrageous! If left to their own devices, foxes control their own population without man interfering. They do not need to be tortured and ripped apart!!
DO NOT bring this disgusting law back for the minority of people who cannot get out of the dark ages. We have enough entertainment as it is without ripping apart animals!
Absolutely not! The excuse that they need to be culled is outrageous! If left to their own devices, foxes control their own population without man interfering. They do not need to be tortured and ripped apart!!
DO NOT bring this disgusting law back for the minority of people who cannot get out of the dark ages. We have enough entertainment as it is without ripping apart animals!
Posted by
meller
July 04, 2010 at 17:04
NO NO NO NO NO NO NO!!
Absolutely not! The excuse that they need to be culled is outrageous! If left to their own devices, foxes control their own population without man interfering. They do not need to be tortured and ripped apart!!
DO NOT bring this disgusting law back for the minority of people who cannot get out of the dark ages. We have enough entertainment as it is without ripping apart animals!
Absolutely not! The excuse that they need to be culled is outrageous! If left to their own devices, foxes control their own population without man interfering. They do not need to be tortured and ripped apart!!
DO NOT bring this disgusting law back for the minority of people who cannot get out of the dark ages. We have enough entertainment as it is without ripping apart animals!
Posted by
meller
July 04, 2010 at 17:04
NO NO NO NO NO NO NO!!
Absolutely not! The excuse that they need to be culled is outrageous! If left to their own devices, foxes control their own population without man interfering. They do not need to be tortured and ripped apart!!
DO NOT bring this disgusting law back for the minority of people who cannot get out of the dark ages. We have enough entertainment as it is without ripping apart animals!
Absolutely not! The excuse that they need to be culled is outrageous! If left to their own devices, foxes control their own population without man interfering. They do not need to be tortured and ripped apart!!
DO NOT bring this disgusting law back for the minority of people who cannot get out of the dark ages. We have enough entertainment as it is without ripping apart animals!
Posted by
meller
July 04, 2010 at 17:06
NO NO NO NO NO NO NO!!
Absolutely not! The excuse that they need to be culled is outrageous! If left to their own devices, foxes control their own population without man interfering. They do not need to be tortured and ripped apart!!
DO NOT bring this disgusting law back for the minority of people who cannot get out of the dark ages. We have enough entertainment as it is without ripping apart animals!
Absolutely not! The excuse that they need to be culled is outrageous! If left to their own devices, foxes control their own population without man interfering. They do not need to be tortured and ripped apart!!
DO NOT bring this disgusting law back for the minority of people who cannot get out of the dark ages. We have enough entertainment as it is without ripping apart animals!
Posted by
meller
July 04, 2010 at 17:06
NO NO NO NO NO NO NO!!
Absolutely not! The excuse that they need to be culled is outrageous! If left to their own devices, foxes control their own population without man interfering. They do not need to be tortured and ripped apart!!
DO NOT bring this disgusting law back for the minority of people who cannot get out of the dark ages. We have enough entertainment as it is without ripping apart animals!
Absolutely not! The excuse that they need to be culled is outrageous! If left to their own devices, foxes control their own population without man interfering. They do not need to be tortured and ripped apart!!
DO NOT bring this disgusting law back for the minority of people who cannot get out of the dark ages. We have enough entertainment as it is without ripping apart animals!
Posted by
medwsc
July 04, 2010 at 17:26
PLEASE DO NOT REPEAL THIS LAW
As a country we made this law for good very good and thought through reasons. Now Cameron needs to pay off the Countryside Alliance for funding his campaign and a repeal on this law is what they want. It is wrong otherwise we would not have banned it - just like all the other unnecessary cruel blood sports.
The needs of the majority outweight the needs of the few -
PLEASE KEEP IT BANNED
As a country we made this law for good very good and thought through reasons. Now Cameron needs to pay off the Countryside Alliance for funding his campaign and a repeal on this law is what they want. It is wrong otherwise we would not have banned it - just like all the other unnecessary cruel blood sports.
The needs of the majority outweight the needs of the few -
PLEASE KEEP IT BANNED
Posted by
medwsc
July 04, 2010 at 17:26
PLEASE DO NOT REPEAL THIS LAW
As a country we made this law for good very good and thought through reasons. Now Cameron needs to pay off the Countryside Alliance for funding his campaign and a repeal on this law is what they want. It is wrong otherwise we would not have banned it - just like all the other unnecessary cruel blood sports.
The needs of the majority outweight the needs of the few -
PLEASE KEEP IT BANNED
As a country we made this law for good very good and thought through reasons. Now Cameron needs to pay off the Countryside Alliance for funding his campaign and a repeal on this law is what they want. It is wrong otherwise we would not have banned it - just like all the other unnecessary cruel blood sports.
The needs of the majority outweight the needs of the few -
PLEASE KEEP IT BANNED
Posted by
medwsc
July 04, 2010 at 17:26
PLEASE DO NOT REPEAL THIS LAW
As a country we made this law for good very good and thought through reasons. Now Cameron needs to pay off the Countryside Alliance for funding his campaign and a repeal on this law is what they want. It is wrong otherwise we would not have banned it - just like all the other unnecessary cruel blood sports.
The needs of the majority outweight the needs of the few -
PLEASE KEEP IT BANNED
As a country we made this law for good very good and thought through reasons. Now Cameron needs to pay off the Countryside Alliance for funding his campaign and a repeal on this law is what they want. It is wrong otherwise we would not have banned it - just like all the other unnecessary cruel blood sports.
The needs of the majority outweight the needs of the few -
PLEASE KEEP IT BANNED
Posted by
medwsc
July 04, 2010 at 17:26
PLEASE DO NOT REPEAL THIS LAW
As a country we made this law for good very good and thought through reasons. Now Cameron needs to pay off the Countryside Alliance for funding his campaign and a repeal on this law is what they want. It is wrong otherwise we would not have banned it - just like all the other unnecessary cruel blood sports.
The needs of the majority outweight the needs of the few -
PLEASE KEEP IT BANNED
As a country we made this law for good very good and thought through reasons. Now Cameron needs to pay off the Countryside Alliance for funding his campaign and a repeal on this law is what they want. It is wrong otherwise we would not have banned it - just like all the other unnecessary cruel blood sports.
The needs of the majority outweight the needs of the few -
PLEASE KEEP IT BANNED
Posted by
medwsc
July 04, 2010 at 17:26
PLEASE DO NOT REPEAL THIS LAW
As a country we made this law for good very good and thought through reasons. Now Cameron needs to pay off the Countryside Alliance for funding his campaign and a repeal on this law is what they want. It is wrong otherwise we would not have banned it - just like all the other unnecessary cruel blood sports.
The needs of the majority outweight the needs of the few -
PLEASE KEEP IT BANNED
As a country we made this law for good very good and thought through reasons. Now Cameron needs to pay off the Countryside Alliance for funding his campaign and a repeal on this law is what they want. It is wrong otherwise we would not have banned it - just like all the other unnecessary cruel blood sports.
The needs of the majority outweight the needs of the few -
PLEASE KEEP IT BANNED
Posted by
medwsc
July 04, 2010 at 17:26
PLEASE DO NOT REPEAL THIS LAW
As a country we made this law for good very good and thought through reasons. Now Cameron needs to pay off the Countryside Alliance for funding his campaign and a repeal on this law is what they want. It is wrong otherwise we would not have banned it - just like all the other unnecessary cruel blood sports.
The needs of the majority outweight the needs of the few -
PLEASE KEEP IT BANNED
As a country we made this law for good very good and thought through reasons. Now Cameron needs to pay off the Countryside Alliance for funding his campaign and a repeal on this law is what they want. It is wrong otherwise we would not have banned it - just like all the other unnecessary cruel blood sports.
The needs of the majority outweight the needs of the few -
PLEASE KEEP IT BANNED
Posted by
medwsc
July 04, 2010 at 17:26
PLEASE DO NOT REPEAL THIS LAW
As a country we made this law for good very good and thought through reasons. Now Cameron needs to pay off the Countryside Alliance for funding his campaign and a repeal on this law is what they want. It is wrong otherwise we would not have banned it - just like all the other unnecessary cruel blood sports.
The needs of the majority outweight the needs of the few -
PLEASE KEEP IT BANNED
As a country we made this law for good very good and thought through reasons. Now Cameron needs to pay off the Countryside Alliance for funding his campaign and a repeal on this law is what they want. It is wrong otherwise we would not have banned it - just like all the other unnecessary cruel blood sports.
The needs of the majority outweight the needs of the few -
PLEASE KEEP IT BANNED
Posted by
stevie77
July 04, 2010 at 17:41
I cannot believe (although I should have known better with the Tories) that the ConDems are even considering repealing a ban when the majority of the public do not want hunting brought back...I think it is something like 75%. It is simply a very cruel and barbaric pastime that belongs to the pages of history. For goodness sake we live in the 21 century and we must not allow any animal to be tortured (thats exactly what hunting is...you only have to look at video evidence on the internet). I know the rich and powerful Countryside Alliance (who by the way made a nice donation to the Conservatives during their election campaign)think that they can use their money to quieten us lesser mortals (I think we were called bunny huggers earlier)and think that we should keep our noses out of the countryside....does that mean that if they choose to molest children or beat their wives etc that because its something that happens in the Countryside its okay!!! No it most certainly is not. I know that sometimes an animal needs to be killed but if so it must be done quickly and humanely and certainly not for the sick enjoyment of a few. If hunters enjoy dressing up and trotting out for a good gallop with the friends then Drag hunting is the perfect (humane) solution...everyone is happy. They get to ride, chase a scent and have their dogs but an innocent animal is not ripped to pieces at the end of the hunt...I don't understand why they don't want that if, as they say, its not about enjoying the thrill of the kill!! KEEP AND STRENGTHEN THE BAN PLEASE!
Posted by
stevie77
July 04, 2010 at 17:44
I cannot believe (although I should have known better with the Tories) that the ConDems are even considering repealing a ban when the majority of the public do not want hunting brought back...I think it is something like 75%. It is simply a very cruel and barbaric pastime that belongs to the pages of history. For goodness sake we live in the 21 century and we must not allow any animal to be tortured (thats exactly what hunting is...you only have to look at video evidence on the internet). I know the rich and powerful Countryside Alliance (who by the way made a nice donation to the Conservatives during their election campaign)think that they can use their money to quieten us lesser mortals (I think we were called bunny huggers earlier)and think that we should keep our noses out of the countryside....does that mean that if they choose to molest children or beat their wives etc that because its something that happens in the Countryside its okay!!! No it most certainly is not. I know that sometimes an animal needs to be killed but if so it must be done quickly and humanely and certainly not for the sick enjoyment of a few. If hunters enjoy dressing up and trotting out for a good gallop with the friends then Drag hunting is the perfect (humane) solution...everyone is happy. They get to ride, chase a scent and have their dogs but an innocent animal is not ripped to pieces at the end of the hunt...I don't understand why they don't want that if, as they say, its not about enjoying the thrill of the kill!! KEEP AND STRENGTHEN THE BAN PLEASE!
Posted by
corred
July 04, 2010 at 18:57
This is not a matter of human rights........those who want to terrorise a wild animal before ripping it to shreds has no right to call themself human....there is nothing more inhuman than hunting with dogs
Posted by
FIONA
July 04, 2010 at 20:36
In response to "gangstamillion" - if a person can't build a proper secure pen for their animals, then they should expect their chickens to be caught by a fox!
I live in the countryside, and am surrounded by people who keep chickens. They keep them in secure pens, and as such not one has been caught by a fox! (though I have witnessed dogs kill chickens... so should we all shoot our pets too?)
When a few years back a friend didn't lock their chickens away, the fox did get in (and of course killed them all, it's their basic instinct, as a cat will chase a mouse - but do we hunt them?!) but the owner accepted it was his own fault. He didn't feel the need to murder the fox!
So many people back the ban, and for it to be repealed for such a small minority is crazy.
As loads of people have pointed out, it's a disgusting status-sport, and there is no place for it in the so-called civilized society we live in.
I live in the countryside, and am surrounded by people who keep chickens. They keep them in secure pens, and as such not one has been caught by a fox! (though I have witnessed dogs kill chickens... so should we all shoot our pets too?)
When a few years back a friend didn't lock their chickens away, the fox did get in (and of course killed them all, it's their basic instinct, as a cat will chase a mouse - but do we hunt them?!) but the owner accepted it was his own fault. He didn't feel the need to murder the fox!
So many people back the ban, and for it to be repealed for such a small minority is crazy.
As loads of people have pointed out, it's a disgusting status-sport, and there is no place for it in the so-called civilized society we live in.
Posted by
zanne48
July 04, 2010 at 20:44
Please do not bring back hunting it is evil, how would the hunters liked to be chased by dogs until their lungs burst? Look after your animals!!
Posted by
lkp
July 04, 2010 at 20:48
We do not need a repeal and the majority of the British public do not want one. There is nothing humane about fox hunting.
Posted by
stu2630
July 04, 2010 at 21:55
I live in a very rural area and with plenty of foxes - including ones which come on to my land. They are part of my environment and are welcome. If you look after your poultry and lambs properly, they do no harm and they do help to eliminate excessive numbers of vermin like rats. Fox hunting is a cruel sport and we should strengthen the ban, not abolish it.
Posted by
snicks
July 04, 2010 at 22:24
The only comments I have seen here wanting fox hunting re-introduced are from people who won't admit the truth - come on, you enjoy it. Don't give me the nonsense about how it's good for the countryside, it's humane etc. If that was the case, why all the pomp and ceremony? Keep it banned. I don't want my chldren growing up in a world where barbarism is deemed 'culture'. And as for the 'culture' side - it used to be considered a cultural accepted practise in Europe to remove the genitalia of young boys in order to prevent their voices breaking and to have their voices remain high pitched (castrati). Hey, why don't we have that back too? It's just as ridiculous an idea. I would argue that the MAJORITY of people do not want fox hunting back, and, all notions of democracy in elections aside, in a democratic society, the MAJORITY rule. Keep it banned. Place harsher penalties on the criminals who breach it.
Posted by
snicks
July 04, 2010 at 22:24
The only comments I have seen here wanting fox hunting re-introduced are from people who won't admit the truth - come on, you enjoy it. Don't give me the nonsense about how it's good for the countryside, it's humane etc. If that was the case, why all the pomp and ceremony? Keep it banned. I don't want my chldren growing up in a world where barbarism is deemed 'culture'. And as for the 'culture' side - it used to be considered a cultural accepted practise in Europe to remove the genitalia of young boys in order to prevent their voices breaking and to have their voices remain high pitched (castrati). Hey, why don't we have that back too? It's just as ridiculous an idea. I would argue that the MAJORITY of people do not want fox hunting back, and, all notions of democracy in elections aside, in a democratic society, the MAJORITY rule. Keep it banned. Place harsher penalties on the criminals who breach it.
Posted by
flowers
July 05, 2010 at 09:26
Anyone thinking that animal rights carry the same weight as human rights has to have muddled priorities and, possibly, thinking about the issues here is taking second place to emoting about them.
No civilised society ever put animal rights over human ones. Therefore, whatever one feels about hunting, the right to do as one wishes unless harmful/potentially harmful to other people is a choice each individual has - or should have.
There is a point where behaviour can be gratuitously barbaric and this can warp people's sensitivities and thus be considered worthy of banning (the spectator activities of bear-baiting and cock-fighting for example). Hunting is not in this league. Contrary to ill-informed opinion, the followers do not (generally) watch foxes being killed and death is usually swift.
It might be distasteful - but those who consider it thus don't actually have to go and hunt.
REPEAL, lest we be considered a warped society preferring to put animal rights over human ones.
No civilised society ever put animal rights over human ones. Therefore, whatever one feels about hunting, the right to do as one wishes unless harmful/potentially harmful to other people is a choice each individual has - or should have.
There is a point where behaviour can be gratuitously barbaric and this can warp people's sensitivities and thus be considered worthy of banning (the spectator activities of bear-baiting and cock-fighting for example). Hunting is not in this league. Contrary to ill-informed opinion, the followers do not (generally) watch foxes being killed and death is usually swift.
It might be distasteful - but those who consider it thus don't actually have to go and hunt.
REPEAL, lest we be considered a warped society preferring to put animal rights over human ones.
Posted by
Kellylouise
July 05, 2010 at 12:21
Utter Rubbish!!
The act of digging out foxes with terriers is horrific...
The throwing of fox cubs to be ripped apart by hounds for training purposes is cowardice and vile...
Chasing an animal until its muscles cease up in agony then allowing hounds to disembowel it causing excruciating pain and eventually death is disgusting and barbaric...
This is cruelty in the extreme!!
The hunting act must stay and be properly enforced.
The majority of the people in this country do not want to see a return to legal barbarism and the government is in power to represent the people not the elite and/or sick minority!
It is not a human right to be cruel!!
The act of digging out foxes with terriers is horrific...
The throwing of fox cubs to be ripped apart by hounds for training purposes is cowardice and vile...
Chasing an animal until its muscles cease up in agony then allowing hounds to disembowel it causing excruciating pain and eventually death is disgusting and barbaric...
This is cruelty in the extreme!!
The hunting act must stay and be properly enforced.
The majority of the people in this country do not want to see a return to legal barbarism and the government is in power to represent the people not the elite and/or sick minority!
It is not a human right to be cruel!!
Posted by
penrhos
July 05, 2010 at 12:46
The only good that can come if the ban is overturned is it will increase the number of people who go fox hunting that will get killed falling off their horses.
Remember - Horse riding is more dangerous than taking ecstacy (Prof Nutt 2009).
If you want to control pests shoot them, not chase them for miles & rip them to pieces.
Remember - Horse riding is more dangerous than taking ecstacy (Prof Nutt 2009).
If you want to control pests shoot them, not chase them for miles & rip them to pieces.
Posted by
msjbeard
July 05, 2010 at 13:18
No. Just no.
Posted by
peter
July 05, 2010 at 14:03
As ever it is impossible to have a reasoned debate on ths most ridiculous of issues.
Despite all the allegations of barbarity, cruelty etc. There has never been a single piece of evidence that suggests that killing foxes with hounds is any less humane than the other methods that remain legal. The last Government spent a vast sum on its inquiry into Hunting with Dogs and that was the very clear conclusion. The next contributor who reaches for an easy insult about cruelty might like to provide us with a reference to support his or her allegation.
This is not, and has never been, a debate about animal welfare it is a ludicrously misplaced attack on a group of people. As one anonymous hunting sage put it:
"They don't hate us because we are cruel. They call us cruel because they hate us"
Despite all the allegations of barbarity, cruelty etc. There has never been a single piece of evidence that suggests that killing foxes with hounds is any less humane than the other methods that remain legal. The last Government spent a vast sum on its inquiry into Hunting with Dogs and that was the very clear conclusion. The next contributor who reaches for an easy insult about cruelty might like to provide us with a reference to support his or her allegation.
This is not, and has never been, a debate about animal welfare it is a ludicrously misplaced attack on a group of people. As one anonymous hunting sage put it:
"They don't hate us because we are cruel. They call us cruel because they hate us"
Posted by
momo44
July 05, 2010 at 14:40
NO NO NO!!!!!!!ABSOLUTELY NOT!!!!!! Listen to the will of the people and do not legalise hunting with dogs again. To repeal the hunting ban would be like returning to bear-baiting and cockfighting of centuries ago. If the hunters want sport and riding with friends as they claim.....why don't they do drag hunting, then they can do all that without the barbaric practice of chasing and torturing a wild animal. It just proves they enjoy the blood lust!!! Time after time and poll after poll proves that between 75% and 86% (the last in the Sun which I might add is a PRO HUNTING paper) of the people want this blood sport to remain illegal and consigned to the pages of history!!! KEEP THE BAN!!!!!!!!!
Posted by
gpenberth
July 05, 2010 at 16:13
This law MUST be repealed
Posted by
SensibleSmoker
July 05, 2010 at 16:56
NOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!
There are far less barbaric ways to control the Fox population, so don;t use that as an excuse! A bunch of toffs in silly outfits guffawing as their hounds rip the fox limb from limb is as bad as cock fighting & bull fighting and all other barbaric sports left over from the 19th Century. we must evolve past this!! NO WAY can you repeal the law... no...
There are far less barbaric ways to control the Fox population, so don;t use that as an excuse! A bunch of toffs in silly outfits guffawing as their hounds rip the fox limb from limb is as bad as cock fighting & bull fighting and all other barbaric sports left over from the 19th Century. we must evolve past this!! NO WAY can you repeal the law... no...
Posted by
moopig
July 05, 2010 at 19:44
Slavery once used to be an important part of the nation's economy too, but that wasn't a good enough reason to perpetuate it. Killing animals for fun is inhumane. If it's necessary to kill animals for pest control or for food then it should be done humanely by professionals.
Posted by
Pierbg
July 06, 2010 at 08:23
For all those who say that it should stay banned becasue of the poor little fox being 'torn to shreds'. The Hounds do not rip the fox to pieces. They break the neck.
For one animal to kill another is only Natural. Will the next Act to be passed through Parliament against a 'Barbaric sport' be the Angling Act 2010 because that is barbarous as well?
To all those who say that it affects farming and destroys crops, Hunts do not go on land that they have not been asked to hunt.
To all those who say that we are in the 21st Century so have to leave our traditions behind, how about we also ban gambling, horse racing, the Olympics - Ancient Greek competition, surely this is outdated, after all it was started by the Ancients - as well as all other forms of sin.
Have you noticed the increase of fox's on your streets since the Ban?
Have you noticed the growing numbers dying on the roads?
Somwhat convienient that these numbers are on the increse
since the ban.
Where will the silliness end, give the country its freedom once again, let individuals make the decision about what they do and what they do not do whilst respecting the decisions of those who chose to do something else.
Aside from the actual Hunting aspect, its a marvellous social scene galloping around the countryside jumping over fences and trying to stay on ones horse. If you have not tried it, quite honestly you dont have a clue what your talking about!
For one animal to kill another is only Natural. Will the next Act to be passed through Parliament against a 'Barbaric sport' be the Angling Act 2010 because that is barbarous as well?
To all those who say that it affects farming and destroys crops, Hunts do not go on land that they have not been asked to hunt.
To all those who say that we are in the 21st Century so have to leave our traditions behind, how about we also ban gambling, horse racing, the Olympics - Ancient Greek competition, surely this is outdated, after all it was started by the Ancients - as well as all other forms of sin.
Have you noticed the increase of fox's on your streets since the Ban?
Have you noticed the growing numbers dying on the roads?
Somwhat convienient that these numbers are on the increse
since the ban.
Where will the silliness end, give the country its freedom once again, let individuals make the decision about what they do and what they do not do whilst respecting the decisions of those who chose to do something else.
Aside from the actual Hunting aspect, its a marvellous social scene galloping around the countryside jumping over fences and trying to stay on ones horse. If you have not tried it, quite honestly you dont have a clue what your talking about!
Posted by
Pierbg
July 06, 2010 at 08:23
For all those who say that it should stay banned becasue of the poor little fox being 'torn to shreds'. The Hounds do not rip the fox to pieces. They break the neck.
For one animal to kill another is only Natural. Will the next Act to be passed through Parliament against a 'Barbaric sport' be the Angling Act 2010 because that is barbarous as well?
To all those who say that it affects farming and destroys crops, Hunts do not go on land that they have not been asked to hunt.
To all those who say that we are in the 21st Century so have to leave our traditions behind, how about we also ban gambling, horse racing, the Olympics - Ancient Greek competition, surely this is outdated, after all it was started by the Ancients - as well as all other forms of sin.
Have you noticed the increase of fox's on your streets since the Ban?
Have you noticed the growing numbers dying on the roads?
Somwhat convienient that these numbers are on the increse
since the ban.
Where will the silliness end, give the country its freedom once again, let individuals make the decision about what they do and what they do not do whilst respecting the decisions of those who chose to do something else.
Aside from the actual Hunting aspect, its a marvellous social scene galloping around the countryside jumping over fences and trying to stay on ones horse. If you have not tried it, quite honestly you dont have a clue what your talking about!
For one animal to kill another is only Natural. Will the next Act to be passed through Parliament against a 'Barbaric sport' be the Angling Act 2010 because that is barbarous as well?
To all those who say that it affects farming and destroys crops, Hunts do not go on land that they have not been asked to hunt.
To all those who say that we are in the 21st Century so have to leave our traditions behind, how about we also ban gambling, horse racing, the Olympics - Ancient Greek competition, surely this is outdated, after all it was started by the Ancients - as well as all other forms of sin.
Have you noticed the increase of fox's on your streets since the Ban?
Have you noticed the growing numbers dying on the roads?
Somwhat convienient that these numbers are on the increse
since the ban.
Where will the silliness end, give the country its freedom once again, let individuals make the decision about what they do and what they do not do whilst respecting the decisions of those who chose to do something else.
Aside from the actual Hunting aspect, its a marvellous social scene galloping around the countryside jumping over fences and trying to stay on ones horse. If you have not tried it, quite honestly you dont have a clue what your talking about!
Posted by
Flydlbee
July 06, 2010 at 08:40
This was a poorly-drafted, unenforceable law which was passed for motives of spite. The Labour party wished to gain revenge on those perceived as "Tory Toffs", and to attack the non-Labour-voting countryside as a whole. The Government also wished to gain the support of their backbenchers for an illegal war.
The original purpose of the act had nothing at all to do with the welfare of animals, and had it been effective, it would have resulted in the extermination of more hounds than foxes.
The act was evil in conception, evil in purpose, evil in application, and criminalised a wide section of the normally law-abiding public. It's spiteful ineffectiveness has impugned the dignity of the law as a whole
THIS ACT SHOULD BE REPEALED!
The original purpose of the act had nothing at all to do with the welfare of animals, and had it been effective, it would have resulted in the extermination of more hounds than foxes.
The act was evil in conception, evil in purpose, evil in application, and criminalised a wide section of the normally law-abiding public. It's spiteful ineffectiveness has impugned the dignity of the law as a whole
THIS ACT SHOULD BE REPEALED!
Posted by
JonathanBrown
July 06, 2010 at 10:10
Another Jonathan on 1st July wrote "In the 21st Century we do not need to harm animals for our own enjoyment."
I agree with that statement, Jonathan, but we do need to cull foxes (I think I'm right that this has been agreed by most wildlife experts, including RSPCA's). If the method of culling gives some lucky posh people an enormous amount of fun whilst also giving others the pleasure of the spectacle and giving business to numerous tailors, saddlers, dog people etc etc, then it takes a pretty arrogant spoilsport to say "NO, You must use a method which isn't any fun".
I don't hunt, and I certainly have no interest in watching other people do it, but I can appreciate that it must be enormous fun charging across the countryside on a horse. I don't think the hunting fraternity take some sort of cruel satanist pleasure from seeing a beautiful fox ripped to shreds (though I suppose there must inevitably be some feeling of satisfaction in having won the chase). And is it really such a cruel method?? Surely shooting, trapping, poisoning all risk cruel injuries and collateral harm to other animals. It’s certainly not going to be a slow death with a pack of hounds.
If I’m mistaken about the need for culling, and the possibility of more humane methods, then I apologise, but I would need to be very very sure of my facts before presuming to dictate to other people what they can and cannot do. I do know that as a teenager I didn’t like the hunting crowd because I thought it was a cruel sport and that they were a load of stuck up toffs. I was shocked though when Labour (who I had always voted for) talked of banning it. I think it’s very dangerous for the majority to ban anything they don’t approve of and that doesn’t harm other human beings. I think it can be justifiable but such measures should only be taken with extreme care.
This prompted me to consider the other side of the argument more fairly: I am no longer sure that it is a cruel sport; I do still think they’re mostly toffs, and I’m sure some of them are stuck up, but I certainly don’t think any of us have the right to infringe against people’s liberty because we don’t like their accents. I think far more arrogant are those that deem they have the right to tell other people that they can’t hunt. I don’t eat much meat and I try to buy only free range, and I have never killed any animal for sport – that’s me, but I’m certainly not going to go round telling other people they have to do the same!!!!!
If foxes need to be culled and you want to do it in a funny costume that’s your choice;
If you want to poison your lungs in a pub, I’m not going to whinge about a bit of passive smoke – I might do if you did it in my house (I still wouldn’t actually) but I certainly don’t see I have any right to tell you not to do it in a pub!!
If you want to risk death and devastation to your friends and family by not wearing a crash helmet on a motorbike, best of luck to you!
I agree with that statement, Jonathan, but we do need to cull foxes (I think I'm right that this has been agreed by most wildlife experts, including RSPCA's). If the method of culling gives some lucky posh people an enormous amount of fun whilst also giving others the pleasure of the spectacle and giving business to numerous tailors, saddlers, dog people etc etc, then it takes a pretty arrogant spoilsport to say "NO, You must use a method which isn't any fun".
I don't hunt, and I certainly have no interest in watching other people do it, but I can appreciate that it must be enormous fun charging across the countryside on a horse. I don't think the hunting fraternity take some sort of cruel satanist pleasure from seeing a beautiful fox ripped to shreds (though I suppose there must inevitably be some feeling of satisfaction in having won the chase). And is it really such a cruel method?? Surely shooting, trapping, poisoning all risk cruel injuries and collateral harm to other animals. It’s certainly not going to be a slow death with a pack of hounds.
If I’m mistaken about the need for culling, and the possibility of more humane methods, then I apologise, but I would need to be very very sure of my facts before presuming to dictate to other people what they can and cannot do. I do know that as a teenager I didn’t like the hunting crowd because I thought it was a cruel sport and that they were a load of stuck up toffs. I was shocked though when Labour (who I had always voted for) talked of banning it. I think it’s very dangerous for the majority to ban anything they don’t approve of and that doesn’t harm other human beings. I think it can be justifiable but such measures should only be taken with extreme care.
This prompted me to consider the other side of the argument more fairly: I am no longer sure that it is a cruel sport; I do still think they’re mostly toffs, and I’m sure some of them are stuck up, but I certainly don’t think any of us have the right to infringe against people’s liberty because we don’t like their accents. I think far more arrogant are those that deem they have the right to tell other people that they can’t hunt. I don’t eat much meat and I try to buy only free range, and I have never killed any animal for sport – that’s me, but I’m certainly not going to go round telling other people they have to do the same!!!!!
If foxes need to be culled and you want to do it in a funny costume that’s your choice;
If you want to poison your lungs in a pub, I’m not going to whinge about a bit of passive smoke – I might do if you did it in my house (I still wouldn’t actually) but I certainly don’t see I have any right to tell you not to do it in a pub!!
If you want to risk death and devastation to your friends and family by not wearing a crash helmet on a motorbike, best of luck to you!
Posted by
JonathanBrown
July 06, 2010 at 10:10
Another Jonathan on 1st July wrote "In the 21st Century we do not need to harm animals for our own enjoyment."
I agree with that statement, Jonathan, but we do need to cull foxes (I think I'm right that this has been agreed by most wildlife experts, including RSPCA's). If the method of culling gives some lucky posh people an enormous amount of fun whilst also giving others the pleasure of the spectacle and giving business to numerous tailors, saddlers, dog people etc etc, then it takes a pretty arrogant spoilsport to say "NO, You must use a method which isn't any fun".
I don't hunt, and I certainly have no interest in watching other people do it, but I can appreciate that it must be enormous fun charging across the countryside on a horse. I don't think the hunting fraternity take some sort of cruel satanist pleasure from seeing a beautiful fox ripped to shreds (though I suppose there must inevitably be some feeling of satisfaction in having won the chase). And is it really such a cruel method?? Surely shooting, trapping, poisoning all risk cruel injuries and collateral harm to other animals. It’s certainly not going to be a slow death with a pack of hounds.
If I’m mistaken about the need for culling, and the possibility of more humane methods, then I apologise, but I would need to be very very sure of my facts before presuming to dictate to other people what they can and cannot do. I do know that as a teenager I didn’t like the hunting crowd because I thought it was a cruel sport and that they were a load of stuck up toffs. I was shocked though when Labour (who I had always voted for) talked of banning it. I think it’s very dangerous for the majority to ban anything they don’t approve of and that doesn’t harm other human beings. I think it can be justifiable but such measures should only be taken with extreme care.
This prompted me to consider the other side of the argument more fairly: I am no longer sure that it is a cruel sport; I do still think they’re mostly toffs, and I’m sure some of them are stuck up, but I certainly don’t think any of us have the right to infringe against people’s liberty because we don’t like their accents. I think far more arrogant are those that deem they have the right to tell other people that they can’t hunt. I don’t eat much meat and I try to buy only free range, and I have never killed any animal for sport – that’s me, but I’m certainly not going to go round telling other people they have to do the same!!!!!
If foxes need to be culled and you want to do it in a funny costume that’s your choice;
If you want to poison your lungs in a pub, I’m not going to whinge about a bit of passive smoke – I might do if you did it in my house (I still wouldn’t actually) but I certainly don’t see I have any right to tell you not to do it in a pub!!
If you want to risk death and devastation to your friends and family by not wearing a crash helmet on a motorbike, best of luck to you!
I agree with that statement, Jonathan, but we do need to cull foxes (I think I'm right that this has been agreed by most wildlife experts, including RSPCA's). If the method of culling gives some lucky posh people an enormous amount of fun whilst also giving others the pleasure of the spectacle and giving business to numerous tailors, saddlers, dog people etc etc, then it takes a pretty arrogant spoilsport to say "NO, You must use a method which isn't any fun".
I don't hunt, and I certainly have no interest in watching other people do it, but I can appreciate that it must be enormous fun charging across the countryside on a horse. I don't think the hunting fraternity take some sort of cruel satanist pleasure from seeing a beautiful fox ripped to shreds (though I suppose there must inevitably be some feeling of satisfaction in having won the chase). And is it really such a cruel method?? Surely shooting, trapping, poisoning all risk cruel injuries and collateral harm to other animals. It’s certainly not going to be a slow death with a pack of hounds.
If I’m mistaken about the need for culling, and the possibility of more humane methods, then I apologise, but I would need to be very very sure of my facts before presuming to dictate to other people what they can and cannot do. I do know that as a teenager I didn’t like the hunting crowd because I thought it was a cruel sport and that they were a load of stuck up toffs. I was shocked though when Labour (who I had always voted for) talked of banning it. I think it’s very dangerous for the majority to ban anything they don’t approve of and that doesn’t harm other human beings. I think it can be justifiable but such measures should only be taken with extreme care.
This prompted me to consider the other side of the argument more fairly: I am no longer sure that it is a cruel sport; I do still think they’re mostly toffs, and I’m sure some of them are stuck up, but I certainly don’t think any of us have the right to infringe against people’s liberty because we don’t like their accents. I think far more arrogant are those that deem they have the right to tell other people that they can’t hunt. I don’t eat much meat and I try to buy only free range, and I have never killed any animal for sport – that’s me, but I’m certainly not going to go round telling other people they have to do the same!!!!!
If foxes need to be culled and you want to do it in a funny costume that’s your choice;
If you want to poison your lungs in a pub, I’m not going to whinge about a bit of passive smoke – I might do if you did it in my house (I still wouldn’t actually) but I certainly don’t see I have any right to tell you not to do it in a pub!!
If you want to risk death and devastation to your friends and family by not wearing a crash helmet on a motorbike, best of luck to you!
Posted by
Pierbg
July 06, 2010 at 10:19
'Posted by JonathanBrown July 06, 2010 at 10:10AM'
Mr Brown, your view, is a relief. You have weighed up the Arguement an made an informed decision based on the facts as you see them.
With regard to Free Range. Some 'Free Range' eggs are little more than battery hens with a little bit of grass - not much! If you want real free range eggs try your local farm or try having your own hens. Watch out for Fox's AND Badgers though. They both kill chickens rather happily. I lost four the other night to a Badger.
If only more could however form an opinion based not on empathy but the facts and as much information as they can get.
Repeal the act and inject a bit of Liberty to this stifled
society.
Mr Brown, your view, is a relief. You have weighed up the Arguement an made an informed decision based on the facts as you see them.
With regard to Free Range. Some 'Free Range' eggs are little more than battery hens with a little bit of grass - not much! If you want real free range eggs try your local farm or try having your own hens. Watch out for Fox's AND Badgers though. They both kill chickens rather happily. I lost four the other night to a Badger.
If only more could however form an opinion based not on empathy but the facts and as much information as they can get.
Repeal the act and inject a bit of Liberty to this stifled
society.
Posted by
RForrest
July 06, 2010 at 11:20
KEEP THIS LAW!!!! This is not a humane way to control foxes, it is cruel and barbaric. In society of todays standards we should not be allowing cruelty to animals, if you reapeal the ban on fox hunting you may aswell be condoning other forms of cruelty ie dog fighting, cock fighting. They are not acceptable. We have no rights, and should have no rights to hurt, injury or cause suffering to these foxes. I am also fed up with this scaremongering articles in the press to persuade people that the only form of protection is fox hunting, when it clearly isnt.
http://www.thisislondon.co.[…]xes-living-in-our-garden.do
I describe the act of hunting cruel, because of the way dogs hunt in packs. They shred the animal. I have also heard stories where peoples pets are 'shredded/torn' by these packs, it seems a pitty that those on horses have no regard for animals or the environment.
I dont care how much you want to 'look good' or pressurised into reapealing the ban, it is not the right thing to do. If you can watch this video and still feel that reapealing the fox hunting ban is morally right, then you certainly have no moral backbone.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jtMu82kTw4o
http://www.thisislondon.co.[…]xes-living-in-our-garden.do
I describe the act of hunting cruel, because of the way dogs hunt in packs. They shred the animal. I have also heard stories where peoples pets are 'shredded/torn' by these packs, it seems a pitty that those on horses have no regard for animals or the environment.
I dont care how much you want to 'look good' or pressurised into reapealing the ban, it is not the right thing to do. If you can watch this video and still feel that reapealing the fox hunting ban is morally right, then you certainly have no moral backbone.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jtMu82kTw4o
Posted by
Druid
July 06, 2010 at 11:27
Mr Brown I'm afraid you are incorrect.
Just reading the comments on this site, pro-hunters claim the foxes are often shot and killed rather than torn apart by the dogs. If this claim is indeed true then it would be far more humane to remove the several miles of being chased by horses and dogs from the equation and simply shoot the fox. Even if the death itself were not cruel (and I have serious reservations about those claims) to put an animal under such stress and fear (yes they do feel both, and those that say otherwise are misinformed or simplly lying) is unnecessarily cruel.
I will take your argument a step further. Your argument is if people can derrive entertainment from the (arguably) necessary killing of animals then they should be allowed to do that. Some people enjoy dog-fighting. Each year a large number of dogs are put down for various reasons. Instead of this we should allow dog-fighters to use dogs that would otherwise be put down in their fights for entertainment. After all, if they're going to die anyway, someone should get some fun from it, right?
Just reading the comments on this site, pro-hunters claim the foxes are often shot and killed rather than torn apart by the dogs. If this claim is indeed true then it would be far more humane to remove the several miles of being chased by horses and dogs from the equation and simply shoot the fox. Even if the death itself were not cruel (and I have serious reservations about those claims) to put an animal under such stress and fear (yes they do feel both, and those that say otherwise are misinformed or simplly lying) is unnecessarily cruel.
I will take your argument a step further. Your argument is if people can derrive entertainment from the (arguably) necessary killing of animals then they should be allowed to do that. Some people enjoy dog-fighting. Each year a large number of dogs are put down for various reasons. Instead of this we should allow dog-fighters to use dogs that would otherwise be put down in their fights for entertainment. After all, if they're going to die anyway, someone should get some fun from it, right?
Posted by
hatman91
July 06, 2010 at 15:13
Some may argue that council laws infringe on their right to build on their land. This is because building can disrupt others or affect the land for years after.
Similarly, fox hunting can affect others, such as destroying crops or intimidating passers-by. Also, tearing foxes to shreds with packs of dogs is just inhumane - but so is suffocating fish and beating them around the head.
If hunters want to argue that it serves as culling of the fox population and it is a service for the community, then I think they had better well apply for permission from the council first.
In order for SO19 (armed police) to shoot to kill, they must be given authorisation, that is, if the situation escalates, they will be given permission.
Similarly, if foxes are being a constant nuisance to an area then hunters could apply to their local council for a contract to kill X number of foxes by shooting them.
If anyone argues this is not a good enough compromise then their argument of that repealing the ban would provide the community a service is just complete nonsense and they are just barbarians who enjoy a good bit of bloodshed.
Similarly, fox hunting can affect others, such as destroying crops or intimidating passers-by. Also, tearing foxes to shreds with packs of dogs is just inhumane - but so is suffocating fish and beating them around the head.
If hunters want to argue that it serves as culling of the fox population and it is a service for the community, then I think they had better well apply for permission from the council first.
In order for SO19 (armed police) to shoot to kill, they must be given authorisation, that is, if the situation escalates, they will be given permission.
Similarly, if foxes are being a constant nuisance to an area then hunters could apply to their local council for a contract to kill X number of foxes by shooting them.
If anyone argues this is not a good enough compromise then their argument of that repealing the ban would provide the community a service is just complete nonsense and they are just barbarians who enjoy a good bit of bloodshed.
Posted by
Katz1983
July 06, 2010 at 18:21
Hunting is a barbaric, outdated form of entertainment that serves no other purpose than to satisfy the people participating.
None of these pro hunters care about the environment or other issues raised, only their self proclaimed rights to hunt.
The "sport" is outdated, cruel, selfish and barbaric and nobody has the right to inflict torment on another living being especially not in the name of sport.
None of these pro hunters care about the environment or other issues raised, only their self proclaimed rights to hunt.
The "sport" is outdated, cruel, selfish and barbaric and nobody has the right to inflict torment on another living being especially not in the name of sport.
Posted by
limey44
July 06, 2010 at 19:49
Posted by hmt1000 July 01, 2010 at 08:42AM Your suggestion that hunting is a country sport and does not have any bearing on the attacks on children in urban areas is not correct. You have not thought this through.
The reason that there have been increased numbers of foxes in urban areas is directly as a result of the hunting ban. As foxes are no longer being culled you have an exploding population in the country. Sick and elderly foxes are also left alive, for a time.
As competition for food grows some foxes have discovered that there are easy picking to be had in town. Litter louts discard uneaten food with their trash, the council is not picking up rubbish as frequently and hence foxes will stay where the living is easy.
The net result will be more foxes living and breeding in urban areas and more attacks on infants, children and pets. They are having similar problems in US urban areas with coyotes attacking people and pets.
We need to repeal this well meaning, but stupid law from the books. It was started as a way to get back at the landed gentry and toffs by the lower classes in the socialist movement, Labour and city people. Then the liberal left, and press picked up on it and attempted to come up with meaningful excuses for supporting it. The Guardian was a prime mover in the campaign, as you would expect.
The reason that there have been increased numbers of foxes in urban areas is directly as a result of the hunting ban. As foxes are no longer being culled you have an exploding population in the country. Sick and elderly foxes are also left alive, for a time.
As competition for food grows some foxes have discovered that there are easy picking to be had in town. Litter louts discard uneaten food with their trash, the council is not picking up rubbish as frequently and hence foxes will stay where the living is easy.
The net result will be more foxes living and breeding in urban areas and more attacks on infants, children and pets. They are having similar problems in US urban areas with coyotes attacking people and pets.
We need to repeal this well meaning, but stupid law from the books. It was started as a way to get back at the landed gentry and toffs by the lower classes in the socialist movement, Labour and city people. Then the liberal left, and press picked up on it and attempted to come up with meaningful excuses for supporting it. The Guardian was a prime mover in the campaign, as you would expect.
Posted by
limey44
July 06, 2010 at 19:51
Posted by hmt1000 July 01, 2010 at 08:42AM Your suggestion that hunting is a country sport and does not have any bearing on the attacks on children in urban areas is not correct. You have not thought this through.
The reason that there have been increased numbers of foxes in urban areas is directly as a result of the hunting ban. As foxes are no longer being culled you have an exploding population in the country. Sick and elderly foxes are also left alive, for a time.
As competition for food grows some foxes have discovered that there are easy picking to be had in town. Litter louts discard uneaten food with their trash, the council is not picking up rubbish as frequently and hence foxes will stay where the living is easy.
The net result will be more foxes living and breeding in urban areas and more attacks on infants, children and pets. They are having similar problems in US urban areas with coyotes attacking people and pets.
We need to repeal this well meaning, but stupid law from the books. It was started as a way to get back at the landed gentry and toffs by the lower classes in the socialist movement, Labour and city people. Then the liberal left, and press picked up on it and attempted to come up with meaningful excuses for supporting it. The Guardian was a prime mover in the campaign, as you would expect.
The reason that there have been increased numbers of foxes in urban areas is directly as a result of the hunting ban. As foxes are no longer being culled you have an exploding population in the country. Sick and elderly foxes are also left alive, for a time.
As competition for food grows some foxes have discovered that there are easy picking to be had in town. Litter louts discard uneaten food with their trash, the council is not picking up rubbish as frequently and hence foxes will stay where the living is easy.
The net result will be more foxes living and breeding in urban areas and more attacks on infants, children and pets. They are having similar problems in US urban areas with coyotes attacking people and pets.
We need to repeal this well meaning, but stupid law from the books. It was started as a way to get back at the landed gentry and toffs by the lower classes in the socialist movement, Labour and city people. Then the liberal left, and press picked up on it and attempted to come up with meaningful excuses for supporting it. The Guardian was a prime mover in the campaign, as you would expect.
Posted by
hatman91
July 07, 2010 at 11:11
Limey44, as I mentioned in my previous post, as a compromise, why don't we have it so hunting is legalised if (and only if) the hunter applies for a hunting license from the local council and justifies why they need to shoot foxes (when I say shoot, I mean shoot, not maul to death with a pack of hounds).
At least this way, the fox population can be kept down and people will be providing a legitimate service for the community. And it will be more humane at least.
Should the hunter be found to have been using hounds, then there could be a fine and a ban from hunting.
If you can't shoot them, then you're not a good enough marksman.
This way, we're appeasing both sides.
At least this way, the fox population can be kept down and people will be providing a legitimate service for the community. And it will be more humane at least.
Should the hunter be found to have been using hounds, then there could be a fine and a ban from hunting.
If you can't shoot them, then you're not a good enough marksman.
This way, we're appeasing both sides.
Posted by
hatman91
July 07, 2010 at 11:12
Perhaps there could be a vote in the community about whether foxes are a problem and if they are, then the council can give permission to hunters to reduce the fox population.
Posted by
RFirth
July 07, 2010 at 12:20
This debate about whether it should be a sport or not is at the root of the Puritan Social fascists who brought about the ban.
Whether an activity is sport or not, is not something you can, or should legislate for.
The only reason that Fox-hunting is so inflammatory is that certain ill informed city-dwellers believe it to be the preserve of the upper classes, and choose to believe the rabid rantings of the militant animal rights activists.
Whether an activity is sport or not, is not something you can, or should legislate for.
The only reason that Fox-hunting is so inflammatory is that certain ill informed city-dwellers believe it to be the preserve of the upper classes, and choose to believe the rabid rantings of the militant animal rights activists.
Posted by
RFirth
July 07, 2010 at 12:20
This debate about whether it should be a sport or not is at the root of the Puritan Social fascists who brought about the ban.
Whether an activity is sport or not, is not something you can, or should legislate for.
The only reason that Fox-hunting is so inflammatory is that certain ill informed city-dwellers believe it to be the preserve of the upper classes, and choose to believe the rabid rantings of the militant animal rights activists.
Whether an activity is sport or not, is not something you can, or should legislate for.
The only reason that Fox-hunting is so inflammatory is that certain ill informed city-dwellers believe it to be the preserve of the upper classes, and choose to believe the rabid rantings of the militant animal rights activists.
Posted by
ferferksake
July 07, 2010 at 15:20
I live in the country. I don't hug trees, eat excessive amounts of lettuce and am happy to eat rabbit pie.
I've had chickens killed by foxes occasionally as they are free range through the day, but well secured at night. The odd one has been picked off by a bird of prey, even my pup got one before she was taught better, but most of my chickens that have met an "untimely end" have been killed by hounds.
My sheep have never been attacked by foxes, but they have been chased into a frenzy by hounds, causing miscarriages. I know of fell farmers who have lost an occasional weak lamb to foxes, but mostly they feed on carcasses. Most weak lambs are killed by crows. They have also lost stock to hounds who have been left on the fells to fend for themselves. For those not aware of the practice, at the end of their useful hunting days, occasionally a hound is held in high enough regard to be spared the bullet and is dumped on a fell, far away from home, in the belief that it will scavange and hunt enough to survive in the wild.
The children's pet rabbits were torn to pieces in front of their eyes by hounds, and our neighbour saw her cat killed in the same way. Our garden and our neighbour's was trampled and destroyed by the hunt, who also damaged our fences. My grazing pasture and a local farmer's maize crop were both flattened by the hunt as well. Their response to our complaints was indifferent to say the least, a case of "well that's life, here's a fiver to buy the kids some sweeties".
I don't think that hunts are just for "toffs". A few "toffs" are there on thier horses, but many are just working class. However I know of many of the hunt followers who regularly ill treat animals which seems to be part of their mind set; the woman who kicks her dogs if they look at her; the man who lets bitches have a litter because it's "good for them" then after a few weeks drowns the pups in a bucket; the farmer who is regularly reported for his sheep being lame, tick infested and eaten alive by maggots; the man who lays poisoned bait to kill birds of prey. In my experience hunt followers are generally "not nice people" and although they may not be all "toffs" they are, nearly without exception, arrogant sadists with no respect for nature. I wouldn't let any single one of them look after my livestock if I was away.
I am fully aware that occasionally a persistent fox will become a nuisance in an area and will need to be killed. I have joined neighbours and we have gone with guns to that very end. This was a group of about half a dozen who tracked the fox and shot it humanely. We were pleased that we had been successful, but pleased that we had killed a wild creature? - No. There was a quiet respect for the animal and a thankfulness that its death had been instantaneous. What barbaric sadist could take pleasure from watching any creature die in agony while its entrails are eaten from inside its body while it's still conscious?
As for the argument on the rural economy, I don't know of anybody who has lost out financially through the hunting ban, but I know of plenty who lost out financially through the damage caused by the hunt.
DO NOT REPEAL, STRENGTHEN AND REINFORCE THE BAN.
I've had chickens killed by foxes occasionally as they are free range through the day, but well secured at night. The odd one has been picked off by a bird of prey, even my pup got one before she was taught better, but most of my chickens that have met an "untimely end" have been killed by hounds.
My sheep have never been attacked by foxes, but they have been chased into a frenzy by hounds, causing miscarriages. I know of fell farmers who have lost an occasional weak lamb to foxes, but mostly they feed on carcasses. Most weak lambs are killed by crows. They have also lost stock to hounds who have been left on the fells to fend for themselves. For those not aware of the practice, at the end of their useful hunting days, occasionally a hound is held in high enough regard to be spared the bullet and is dumped on a fell, far away from home, in the belief that it will scavange and hunt enough to survive in the wild.
The children's pet rabbits were torn to pieces in front of their eyes by hounds, and our neighbour saw her cat killed in the same way. Our garden and our neighbour's was trampled and destroyed by the hunt, who also damaged our fences. My grazing pasture and a local farmer's maize crop were both flattened by the hunt as well. Their response to our complaints was indifferent to say the least, a case of "well that's life, here's a fiver to buy the kids some sweeties".
I don't think that hunts are just for "toffs". A few "toffs" are there on thier horses, but many are just working class. However I know of many of the hunt followers who regularly ill treat animals which seems to be part of their mind set; the woman who kicks her dogs if they look at her; the man who lets bitches have a litter because it's "good for them" then after a few weeks drowns the pups in a bucket; the farmer who is regularly reported for his sheep being lame, tick infested and eaten alive by maggots; the man who lays poisoned bait to kill birds of prey. In my experience hunt followers are generally "not nice people" and although they may not be all "toffs" they are, nearly without exception, arrogant sadists with no respect for nature. I wouldn't let any single one of them look after my livestock if I was away.
I am fully aware that occasionally a persistent fox will become a nuisance in an area and will need to be killed. I have joined neighbours and we have gone with guns to that very end. This was a group of about half a dozen who tracked the fox and shot it humanely. We were pleased that we had been successful, but pleased that we had killed a wild creature? - No. There was a quiet respect for the animal and a thankfulness that its death had been instantaneous. What barbaric sadist could take pleasure from watching any creature die in agony while its entrails are eaten from inside its body while it's still conscious?
As for the argument on the rural economy, I don't know of anybody who has lost out financially through the hunting ban, but I know of plenty who lost out financially through the damage caused by the hunt.
DO NOT REPEAL, STRENGTHEN AND REINFORCE THE BAN.
Posted by
jollypHarton
July 07, 2010 at 17:18
Its utter nonsense to say that hunting foxes with dogs is an effective means of controlling fox population. More often than not hunts came home having had no kill (and therefore no thrill)! My local hunt was appalling at catching foxes - I know this because my partner stabled her horses with the local hunt secretary and she was always banging on about how bad a day they'd had, again.
To say hunting is an important part of the rural economy is also total tosh. How? Prove it. Maybe a few people here and there have had to seek other forms of employment since the ban was implemented (oh dear), but to say the hunts were ever that relevant to the rural economy is a complete overstatement bordering on the grandiose and absurd! Its not as if it is a core industry.
In my area there has been a surge in popularity of scented chases the ban, but not with the 'official' hunt, who seem to have missed a trick by not getting on that boat quick enough. There have also been rumours of threats by those within the 'traditional' hunting fraternity towards those wgo set up the scented chases. It seems that many of the traditional hunt 'followers' (i.e. those who used to go out on horseback for the jolly) are now actively involved in the scented chases, and riders who objected to the hunting of foxes are now able to enjoy the thrill of riding in the open countryside with no moral quandry. Also, prior to the ban, scented hunts in my area were limited by the amount of land available - as the majority of farmers wouldn't allow access. The result was short chases which many participants found unsatisfactory (there being a lot of effort required to prepare and transport horses to and from the event). Since the ban this has changed - many farmers are now prepared to grant access, and thus the chases have become longer and more fulfilling for the participants.
So, it would seem, in terms of economics, on one hand a group of people may have lost out (i.e. the traditionalists), but, on the other, another group of people have gained (those creative enough to see an opportunity to be seized by setting up scented chases).
Having said all this, I personally believe that if a fox (or any wild animal) is killed then room is made for another to take its place, and as such the population will remain in equilibrium - there is only so much food to go around and natural selection will see off the weakest. To say that hunts have ever helped to control fox numbers in the past is in my view moronic.
To say hunting is an important part of the rural economy is also total tosh. How? Prove it. Maybe a few people here and there have had to seek other forms of employment since the ban was implemented (oh dear), but to say the hunts were ever that relevant to the rural economy is a complete overstatement bordering on the grandiose and absurd! Its not as if it is a core industry.
In my area there has been a surge in popularity of scented chases the ban, but not with the 'official' hunt, who seem to have missed a trick by not getting on that boat quick enough. There have also been rumours of threats by those within the 'traditional' hunting fraternity towards those wgo set up the scented chases. It seems that many of the traditional hunt 'followers' (i.e. those who used to go out on horseback for the jolly) are now actively involved in the scented chases, and riders who objected to the hunting of foxes are now able to enjoy the thrill of riding in the open countryside with no moral quandry. Also, prior to the ban, scented hunts in my area were limited by the amount of land available - as the majority of farmers wouldn't allow access. The result was short chases which many participants found unsatisfactory (there being a lot of effort required to prepare and transport horses to and from the event). Since the ban this has changed - many farmers are now prepared to grant access, and thus the chases have become longer and more fulfilling for the participants.
So, it would seem, in terms of economics, on one hand a group of people may have lost out (i.e. the traditionalists), but, on the other, another group of people have gained (those creative enough to see an opportunity to be seized by setting up scented chases).
Having said all this, I personally believe that if a fox (or any wild animal) is killed then room is made for another to take its place, and as such the population will remain in equilibrium - there is only so much food to go around and natural selection will see off the weakest. To say that hunts have ever helped to control fox numbers in the past is in my view moronic.
Posted by
jollypHarton
July 07, 2010 at 17:28
Apologies, third paragraph of above comment should have read 'In my area there has been a surge in popularity of scented chases SINCE the ban...'
DO NOT REPEAL THIS LAW, as to do so would be senseless...
DO NOT REPEAL THIS LAW, as to do so would be senseless...
Posted by
jollypHarton
July 07, 2010 at 17:42
@ RFirth - you are so wrong in yer thinking, there are many country dwellers who feel that the ban is not only appropriate but should be strengthened!
But anyway, to distinguish between city and country dwellers is appallingly simplistic. The population of this land is continuously in flux between urban and rural living situations, so what makes a country dweller? Even if someone has exclusively dwelt rurally all their lives it doesn't necessarily mean they are right when they prattle out that old tired phrase 'We know how the countryside works'! Smacks of pomposity, insulation and institutionalisation if you asks I!!!
DO NOT REPEAL THE BAN...
But anyway, to distinguish between city and country dwellers is appallingly simplistic. The population of this land is continuously in flux between urban and rural living situations, so what makes a country dweller? Even if someone has exclusively dwelt rurally all their lives it doesn't necessarily mean they are right when they prattle out that old tired phrase 'We know how the countryside works'! Smacks of pomposity, insulation and institutionalisation if you asks I!!!
DO NOT REPEAL THE BAN...
Posted by
Ipierson
July 09, 2010 at 01:50
Blood sports, mmm let me think.... Erm no thanks.
Surly there must be a way to honour the past traditions in a more modern way. That's what happens with other things.
Surly there must be a way to honour the past traditions in a more modern way. That's what happens with other things.
Posted by
tompaine
July 09, 2010 at 09:30
Repeal. What right have people to inflict their personal tastes upon other sections of society?
If vegetarians seized control (which they probably will eventually) would it be ok for them to force us all to stop eating meet for the same arguments used above? Of course not. Repeal the hunting ban and keep liberalism (where the rights of minorities are protected) alive in this country.
If vegetarians seized control (which they probably will eventually) would it be ok for them to force us all to stop eating meet for the same arguments used above? Of course not. Repeal the hunting ban and keep liberalism (where the rights of minorities are protected) alive in this country.
Posted by
gxlewis
July 09, 2010 at 09:42
Cock fighting, badger baiting, dog fighting. All these blood sports were banned back in 1835. So why wasn't fox hunting banned? The answer is simple - it was the sport of toffs and, back in those days, toffs controlled Parliament.
I live in a village in the country and over the years I have spoken to a fair number of people - some who support hunting - some who are against. Yes, some, although interestingly not all, foxes do kill lambs, although the number of deaths only amount to about 2% of live births. However, hunting is not an effective tool for killing these rogue foxes. More often than not, fields are all churned up by the horses, gates and hedges are damaged and when a fox is killed it is not the one causing a problem to livestock but one that is doing a useful job controlling rabbits, rats and other pests!
Lets be honest when discussing this subject. The reason why people go hunting is that they like dressing up, the enjoy the thrill of the chase and they get some sick form of pleasure from seeing wild creatures being torn to pieces by hounds.
I live in a village in the country and over the years I have spoken to a fair number of people - some who support hunting - some who are against. Yes, some, although interestingly not all, foxes do kill lambs, although the number of deaths only amount to about 2% of live births. However, hunting is not an effective tool for killing these rogue foxes. More often than not, fields are all churned up by the horses, gates and hedges are damaged and when a fox is killed it is not the one causing a problem to livestock but one that is doing a useful job controlling rabbits, rats and other pests!
Lets be honest when discussing this subject. The reason why people go hunting is that they like dressing up, the enjoy the thrill of the chase and they get some sick form of pleasure from seeing wild creatures being torn to pieces by hounds.
Posted by
amoyrani
July 09, 2010 at 14:07
KEEP THE BAN ON!
Posted by
lm
July 09, 2010 at 14:16
Hunting with hounds is just the same as bull/dog fighting and animals crush videos. By repealing the ban we will be sending message that it's OK to deliberately hurt animals and watch them suffer in pain and agony for entertainment. That sort of activity promotes violence. There is no place for such cruelty in our modern civilised society. It has nothing to do with the social classes. Keep the ban!
Posted by
LoftyLady
July 10, 2010 at 00:10
As this is a repeat idea then so is this post
If the Government allow this barbarity to resume they will never get into power again. They have obviously not looked into any research regarding the cruelty and facts involved. There is evidence which I can provide to show that
1. "The quick kill" does not happen post mortem results show that the animal is grabbed by any part that the hounds can get hold of first - as they are chasing it it is rarely likely to be the neck!
2.Errant hounds frequently kill domestic pets and are themselves mistreated by a number of the hunts. True, evidence exists to prove this.
3. The aggressive terrier men believe they have the right to send their dogs into earth's to rip into foxes whilst they dig down with spades to extract them. Instead of then shooting them they will (if they believe they are not being observed) throw them to the waiting hounds. The terriers themselves can suffer injuries as well as cause them during these encounters with foxes. True, again there is substantial evidence.
4. "All farmers and landowners are pro hunting" - rubbish, many feel threatened into allowing access to the hunts which damage their boundaries and cause livestock undue stress often resulting in stillbirths.
5. Only the old and sick foxes are chased - what!? There is no "sport" involved in chasing a fox with a zimmer frame, the days hunting would offer very little entertainment if that was the case. Also what about the "cubbing" or as huntsmen innocently call it "Autumn" hunting where fox cubs are blocked from going to ground so that new hounds can be trained to torture them. Any that don't make the grade are killed on the spot.
6.Only Townies are against hunting they don't understand the countryside! Balderdash. More than 70% country dwellers abhor this minority pastime. Just because the Countryside Alliance has money it doesn't actually own OUR countryside. Surely by that token they have no right interfering into the issue of urban foxes.
7."Foxes are vermin and pests" - according to DEFRA they have never been classified as pests, they perform a useful role in controlling rabbits and rats on farms and rarely take livestock unless it is already dead or dying. They only kill several chickens at a time to effectively stock their larder for leaner times ahead - if you tell me you wouldn't stock the fridge, freezer and drinks cabinet if you won a trolley dash you would be lying.
8. They are full of diseases that can be passed to man - no! Sometimes mange is a problem but man can't catch it from them, and despite what some scaremongers will have you believe there is NO RABIES in this country, if there was hunting would be banned anyway. Rats spread many diseases such as weils and as already stated foxes control their numbers admirably.
9.But lots of jobs have been lost - really? more people enjoy drag hunting now that the cruelty element has been taken out of it than ever wanted to kill British wildlife.
10. Most disturbing of all - psychologists have found evidence of links between those who inflict cruelty on animals who then go on to perform aggressive acts (and even murders) of other human beings including children. Do we want this Government to unleash these people back into the countryside - or are they already the worst offenders themselves.
If you haven't already done so please contact your MP and ask them to sign the EDM 116 in support of the current ban.
If the Government allow this barbarity to resume they will never get into power again. They have obviously not looked into any research regarding the cruelty and facts involved. There is evidence which I can provide to show that
1. "The quick kill" does not happen post mortem results show that the animal is grabbed by any part that the hounds can get hold of first - as they are chasing it it is rarely likely to be the neck!
2.Errant hounds frequently kill domestic pets and are themselves mistreated by a number of the hunts. True, evidence exists to prove this.
3. The aggressive terrier men believe they have the right to send their dogs into earth's to rip into foxes whilst they dig down with spades to extract them. Instead of then shooting them they will (if they believe they are not being observed) throw them to the waiting hounds. The terriers themselves can suffer injuries as well as cause them during these encounters with foxes. True, again there is substantial evidence.
4. "All farmers and landowners are pro hunting" - rubbish, many feel threatened into allowing access to the hunts which damage their boundaries and cause livestock undue stress often resulting in stillbirths.
5. Only the old and sick foxes are chased - what!? There is no "sport" involved in chasing a fox with a zimmer frame, the days hunting would offer very little entertainment if that was the case. Also what about the "cubbing" or as huntsmen innocently call it "Autumn" hunting where fox cubs are blocked from going to ground so that new hounds can be trained to torture them. Any that don't make the grade are killed on the spot.
6.Only Townies are against hunting they don't understand the countryside! Balderdash. More than 70% country dwellers abhor this minority pastime. Just because the Countryside Alliance has money it doesn't actually own OUR countryside. Surely by that token they have no right interfering into the issue of urban foxes.
7."Foxes are vermin and pests" - according to DEFRA they have never been classified as pests, they perform a useful role in controlling rabbits and rats on farms and rarely take livestock unless it is already dead or dying. They only kill several chickens at a time to effectively stock their larder for leaner times ahead - if you tell me you wouldn't stock the fridge, freezer and drinks cabinet if you won a trolley dash you would be lying.
8. They are full of diseases that can be passed to man - no! Sometimes mange is a problem but man can't catch it from them, and despite what some scaremongers will have you believe there is NO RABIES in this country, if there was hunting would be banned anyway. Rats spread many diseases such as weils and as already stated foxes control their numbers admirably.
9.But lots of jobs have been lost - really? more people enjoy drag hunting now that the cruelty element has been taken out of it than ever wanted to kill British wildlife.
10. Most disturbing of all - psychologists have found evidence of links between those who inflict cruelty on animals who then go on to perform aggressive acts (and even murders) of other human beings including children. Do we want this Government to unleash these people back into the countryside - or are they already the worst offenders themselves.
If you haven't already done so please contact your MP and ask them to sign the EDM 116 in support of the current ban.
Posted by
blokewithMS
July 12, 2010 at 15:23
Anyone (Nurse, teacher, priest, whatever) who enjoys foxhunting and similar 'sports' is a Sadist, pure and simple. They are deriving pleasure from the terror, agony and death of an animal.
Under no circumstances repeal this ban, STRENGHTEN and ENFORCE it!
Under no circumstances repeal this ban, STRENGHTEN and ENFORCE it!
Posted by
poglad
July 13, 2010 at 19:37
Do NOT repeal it. Fox hunting has nothing to do with country versus urban living, and everything to do with promoting class divisions. And people who hunt foxes are of a class known as Scum.
Posted by
Interscene
July 15, 2010 at 15:31
Fox Hunting is not a valid passtime, hobby or sport. Bloodsports and hunting with dogs should not be permitted within the UK. Foxes may or may not be in need of population control but repealing the Hunting with Dogs/Foxhunting laws is not the way.
Maintain the ban.
Maintain the ban.
Posted by
pphillips
July 15, 2010 at 15:39
The governement should never had interefered with country life as it is something they clearly know nothing about. Foxes are pests and should be hunted to keep the numbers down. There is nothing wrong with hunting unless it is done in a way that is cruel and sadistic or the animal being hunted is an endangered species.
Posted by
ASJack
July 17, 2010 at 16:31
Here's a thought...if hunting with hounds is so effective, why is it not used in cities to curb the urban fox polulation?
Fox hunting is a throwback past time for those with no respect for the world around them. To repeal the ban would bring a shame on the UK. It took too many years to bring it in - don't let it take such a short time to overturn.
Keep the ban.
Fox hunting is a throwback past time for those with no respect for the world around them. To repeal the ban would bring a shame on the UK. It took too many years to bring it in - don't let it take such a short time to overturn.
Keep the ban.
Posted by
richardsjarratt
July 19, 2010 at 00:59
Foxes have no natural predator
Foxes cause trouble, especially in urban settings where they are known to attack children
The fox population is out of control..so
Cull them.
Call it hunting if you must, but whatever we have to find (hunt) em first.
If you don't agrees-
Don't use the politics of envy and pretend its a class issue.
Don't protect animals over humans.
Foxes cause trouble, especially in urban settings where they are known to attack children
The fox population is out of control..so
Cull them.
Call it hunting if you must, but whatever we have to find (hunt) em first.
If you don't agrees-
Don't use the politics of envy and pretend its a class issue.
Don't protect animals over humans.
Posted by
jackdaws
July 27, 2010 at 23:07
Yes, legalise hunting all those fat rich SUV driving landowners, then divide the land between the poor, leaving a patch of the best meadowland for the foxes.
Posted by
Ami
July 28, 2010 at 13:03
I object to the argument that fox hunting is necessary for the safety of livestock... the best way to protect livestock is to ensure adequate protection is given to the livestock in the form of secure fencing and shelter.
Posted by
timbo
August 17, 2010 at 10:56
The Hunting Act is both an unwarranted restriction on civil liberties and an unenforceable law. It is morally arbitrary (by banning hunting with dogs but not hunting with guns or hunting with rod and line), culturally divisive and criminalises large sections of the law-abiding population.
Laws that have no foundation in morality, reason or common sense are bad laws and should be repealed in the name of freedom.
Laws that have no foundation in morality, reason or common sense are bad laws and should be repealed in the name of freedom.
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This is one of the few acts the labour government introduced which was worthwhile and sensible.
Please, please, PLEASE do not re-introduce this barbaric and outdated practice which benefits so few people and is abhorrent to all genuine wildlife lovers.
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