NOW that Tony Blair's Government is committed to making hunting with dogs illegal by any possible effective means by the next General Election, and the British hare population is known to have declined by 80 per cent in the past century, can we tolerate the persistent tradition of hare hunting in the Bury-Bolton-Wigan areas?

The Holcombe Hunt admits to difficulties in catching hares, which is perhaps merciful in view of the distress caused to an animal only able to sprint at top speed for a short distance, worn down by hounds bred for "drive" and staying power, suffering a violent death after running miles.

Hares often start producing young in February which means that pregnant does or does nursing young may be run to death. Often, a hare hiding a little will be chased out and hunted down.

Lancashire has League Against Cruel Sports support groups who uncompromisingly and actively oppose and expose this and similar inhumane sports which inflict needless suffering on persecuted wild animals.

Those who object to these cruel activities and consider it time to end all hunting with dogs can ring 0171 403 6155 for further information.

MISS K. WATSON

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