Hunting

After seven years of a Labour Government we are still hunting. Public Opinion, whatever lies and distortions opponents of hunting peddle, no longer supports a ban. The majority of the population favour a sensible system of regulation for the continuance of hunting with dogs – 59% say keep hunting. There are some 95 packs of hare hounds in the UK  -  beagles, harriers and bassets. Many people think that hunting is only about foxhunting!  The hare is the oldest known quarry species, probably imported in Roman times for hunting. Hare hunters are acknowledged as the most effective monitors of hare populations over vast areas of England and Wales by virtue of their numbers, their commitment and their unique access to land. The undeniable link between country sports and conservation is best illustrated by harehunting – in areas where harehunting takes place, hare numbers are increasing.  Harehunters encourage farmers to manage their land in ways that benefit the hare, providing suitable habitat, planting crops as a favourable food source and controlling pest species. Hunting has an important role to play in the local community – the hunt organises lots of social functions that benefits the rural community as a whole. Hunts also raise hundreds of thousands of pounds for local charities.  Hunting is an activity enjoyed by thousands of ordinary people. Majority of people hunt on foot or in a car – you don’t have to ride a horse to follow. Everyone is welcome! Do support your local hunt whether it be foxhounds, beagles, bassets, harriers or minkhounds. Thousands of the hounds will face being destroyed if the Hunting with Dogs Bill should be introduced. And it doesn’t end there. The Anti-hunting lobby are now casting their gaze on other country sports, including horseracing!  The Countryside Alliance is the only organisation campaigning to protect hunting – join them today and help safeguard this way of life.