I WAS surprised by the sheer nonsense about hunting by R Bracewell (Letters, August 8).

He claims that "The public at large have never expressed an opinion on fox-hunting," which is rubbish. In fact the most recent poll carried out by IFAW suggests that as many as 75 per cent are against hunting.

He says foxes are vermin - a curious statement, as it has been proven that adequately-protected animals do not fall prey to foxes - and if Mr Bracewell doesn't accept this, he is simply rejecting scientific fact.

Besides, hunts encourage foxes by building artificial earths, and then dig out foxes that do go to ground, using spades and terriers.

The fact is that the public see hunting for what it really is and if Mr Bracewell doesn't believe this, then it is him who is out of tune.

KEN WRIGHT, Edgmond, Shropshire.

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