I WAS surprised to see that the bloodthirsty lot of the hunting fraternity had coerced you into advertising their hunt.

John Holliday talks of people from all walks of life who engage in the act of hunting; he goes further to suggest that a percentage of the huntsmen/women are from caring professions.

This is bilge and just another way of trying to paint a glossy image over his inhumane, barbaric and disgusting activity!

Where was he when the RSPCA announced that foxhunting is cruel? Where was he when most of the Labour MPs voted for a ban? - thrashing through hedgerows and shouting "Tally-Ho" probably!

Hunting is outdated, hunting is often elite - bar the terrier men of course - but one day soon hunting will be obsolete!

Also Mr Holliday talks of the lost industry surrounding the fox hunting trade should it be banned.

Time and time again people have had to adapt in their trades - look at the current plight of the postal workers, for instance. Other work is sought, the fact of the matter is we are living in an ever changing world and, yes, the fox hunters will have to accept this!

We are living in an age where all too often animals are mistaken for our sole use, abuse and exploitation. However, this is changing and new acts and laws are taking the human animal down a path of more compassionate thought.

Hunting I believe is dead and I certainly will not shed a tear when the Government puts its final seal to this in a few months time when the 'consultative period' closes.

MRS TURNER, Colwall.