THE move by the Government to ban fox hunting in the near future is well overdue.

Chasing around the countryside dressed to kill (that's an apt expression) following a pack of hounds in the attempt to run a creature to ground and then allow it to be torn to bits while onlookers watch approvingly, should not be allowed in the 20th century.

If there was a poll or referendum, most of the 'for' votes would come from farming communities, rural areas, hound kennels, etc, while the townies, who are said not to understand the country ways, would vote to ban it.

It seems barbaric to me, akin to bear-baiting, cock fighting or coursing.

If foxes pose such a big threat to the countryside, why not arrange a more humane cull instead of resorting to a ghoulish sport, which all right-minded people know it to be.

K SOWERBUTTS (Mr), Southwood Drive, Baxenden.

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