I APPLAUD the report by Stewart Pimbley (LET, April 7) on drag hunting as fox, stag and deer hunting has the same purpose as the now-illegal pastimes of dog fighting, bear-baiting and cock fighting to provide amusement for human beings.
It is not a form of pest control, nor is it meant to be. The control was invented to counter the protests of those to whom the killing of animals for sport is morally unacceptable.
The real cruelty lies in the exhaustion, terror and trauma inflicted on the victim.
It is common sense that these animals be culled when necessary and will suffer less stress than being chased for miles by a pack of baying hounds.
Drag hunting is less rigorous for the hounds than chasing a live quarry, Not only can this alternative sport provide an exhilarating test for rider, horse and hound, but it offers security of continued employment to the saddlers, tailors, horse breeders and others whose livelihoods depend on the pageantry and fraternity.
Barbaric blood sports must be banned now for deliberate torment is inexcusable.
SHEILA BRENNAN (Mrs), Bombay Street, Blackburn.
Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.
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