Still in the hunt: lift ban, say Cumbrian supporters
Last updated at 12:43, Friday, 02 January 2009
Hunt supporters turned out in force to uphold a centuries-old New Year’s Day tradition in west Cumbria.
About 200 people watched or took part in the Melbreak Hunt to mark the start of 2009 yesterday.
They met at the nearby Kirkstile Inn, Loweswater, before travelling through Low Fell and returning to the pub.
The gathering took place as fox hunting supporters continue to pressure the Government to reverse its controversial ban on the countryside pursuit.
Hunt spokesman John Vickers said: “There was a good crowd of people. Between about 100 and 200 turned up for our new year meet.
“The conditions were difficult, it was very cold and the ground was hard. We only had 18 hounds out on the day. The ban has made a difference to the way we do things, but it’s tradition. We lay down a trail for the hounds to follow the scent.
“People have not been deterred from coming. More people are hunting now than before the ban came in.
“We have been trailing the scent of animals and playing by the law. The dogs still get their exercise and we get to continue doing what we love.”
Meanwhile Blencathra Foxhounds descended on the tiny hamlet of Mosedale for the on-foot hunt. And those present were adamant that the fox-hunting ban should be repealed as pressure grows on the Government to consider reversing it.
Enthusiasts had come from around the country to take part, with many having an early start to New Year’s Day, travelling from Yorkshire and Wiltshire.
“The ban is a dog’s dinner,” said Master of the Hunt, Michael Thompson. “It was ill-thought through and I think everyone knows it’s not working. As you can see from the number here this morning the popularity is increasing– it’s more popular than it’s ever been.”
For Barry Todhunter, the Master Huntsman who cares full-time for the hounds at Threlkeld, just outside Keswick, the ban meant a major change to his life. He said: “It’s something we’ve had to adapt to and it’s been a big change. The main thing is that we are nearly four years on and every hunt in the country is still going and everyone is still in employment.”
But he was adamant that he, and the majority of farmers, would like to see the ban lifted. “It’s very difficult when the foxes are killing the lambs,” he said. “Once it was a free service I provided but now they ask for help and I’m very limited in what I can do.”
Those following the drag hunt, which led the hounds up Currock Fell on a trail of up to four hours, were similarly in support of the ban being repealed.
First published at 11:24, Friday, 02 January 2009
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk
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Sicko's, i think a punishment should be persued anyone that is involved in this sick game as this should not be treat any different to the the scally's that set their lurchers on cats and such like
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If this was a working class sport it would have been eradicated years ago and the patricipants dealt with by the law,who instead turn a blind eye.
Posted by Eric smith on 4 January 2009 at 22:24