Time to consider views of others

8:30am Tuesday 20th May 2008

SIR - Obviously John Shearon (Letters, April 28) holds very entrenched views on hunting but merely claiming something is cruel and unnecessary does not make it fact. Alternatively my support for hunting is based on three clear points.

The first is maintaining a viable and healthy fox population. The second and most important is achieving the highest overall standards of animal welfare. Thirdly, there is the vital contribution hunting makes to conserving our countryside.

Time and again we have seen the most senior members of the anti-hunting establishment change their minds and move to support hunting on the grounds of animal welfare. This has cost them well paid jobs and even a home. Thankfully they have stood by their convictions to avoid cruelty. I hope Mr Shearon might consider their views a little before offering more of his own on the conduct of hunting.

Jon Burgess, Malvern.

Editor's choice