I FOUND myself listening with interest to a pro-hunting lobbyist in Worcester town centre recently. I nodded in mute agreement to what was being said.

The need for control was clearly laid out, and made sense. The pros and cons of fox hunting seemed to be as well balanced as any other form of control.

However, something niggled away at me, giving me the uneasy feeling that I should still oppose hunting.

It dawned on me several days later. It was that anyone should seek to gain pleasure from inflicting pain. For me that is what it boils down to. Daft as it sounds, I surprised myself when I realised this.

So, to my shame, I have to admit, it is not the fate of the fox that worries me after all. It is the hunters themselves that I have a problem with.

Can seeking pleasure by killing ever be deemed acceptable? I hope not.

PAUL RONE-CLARKE,

Diglis, Worcester.