I WAS interested to read the reports regarding the large turnouts at the Boxing Day meets of our local foxhunts and of the large crowds that attended.

One would assume that the hunts would be pleased about this so I am rather puzzled that they are still grumbling about their situation. After all, there have been none of the mass redundancies we were warned about; no hunts have been forced to close (as far as I am aware) and even more foxes are being killed (within the law, so we are told). Why are the hunt supporters not happy then? People can still follow the hounds and enjoy a good day's riding; the only changes are that foxes are not dug out or chased to exhaustion and torn apart anymore. Perhaps that is what the hunt supporters miss? Suggestions that the ban is not working are bizarre. The hunting act is working exactly as the government said it would. Drag hunting is being enjoyed (as the hunts themselves admit), foxes are still being controlled, attendance's at hunt meets are up and much of the cruelty has been removed. Where is the problem?

PETER FLETCHER, High Street, Moreton.