AS a lover of the countryside and wildlife, I do not share some correspondents' enthusiasm for the return of hunting.

We have managed without hunting for 10 months, due to foot-and-mouth, and it is a great pity that the ban could not have lasted a lot longer.

Then hunting would have been shown as no form of control, but in its true colours as a wicked so-called "sport".

If control of foxes was the issue, then lurchers would be used as these are much faster than foxhounds.

Equally, if riding to hounds was the main objective then hunts would switch to the drag hunt, so avoiding cruelty as well as main roads, motorways, railways, flocks of sheep and winter crops.

I recognise the traditions of the hunt meet and riding to hounds, but fail to see why hunters are not prepared to switch to the drag hunt. One can only draw the conclusion that they enjoy animal suffering and the sight of blood.

I would also like to point out that your report of the Worcestershire Hunt meet on Boxing Day makes reference to paint being thrown. I attended the peaceful protest and confirm that no paint was thrown from the area where we were hemmed in by the hunt.

I have always lived close to open countryside and have foxes and other wildlife in the field at the back of my home.

The thought of foxes being chased for miles for people's pleasure fills me with horror and disgust.

This Government must reintroduce the Hunting Abolition Bill, which had a majority of 411 in the last Parliament.

DIXON SHEPPARD,

Stourport-on-Severn,

Worcs.