Supporters out in force to enjoy a 99-year tradition at Boxing Day hunt in Dalston. Our readers had their say on the News & Star website and Facebook page.

It used to be traditional to tie bears to a post and have them torn to bits by dogs. It used to be traditional to watch people being executed. Just because it’s “traditional” it doesn’t mean it’s right.

Border Reiver

What they do in the countryside is their business whether you agree or not.

Happy vader

Good to see this long standing Cumbrian tradition continuing and the hounds and horses looking so fit and well and ready for some exercise on the fells.

Long may it continue for generations of genuine Cumbrians to appreciate and enjoy.

A shame that a few people try to stop others enjoying a day in the country with the hounds and horses.

I did knock

This isn’t fox control, a decent rifleman and his tools can do more damage in one night than they could do in a fortnight, if control is what you want. They just love ratching around other people’s land disturbing other nature ie roe deer. Contrary to belief that they are a majority with the love of the local community, most scathe at the intimidating menace of their little gangs on the roadside.

Sir Guilington

Let’s be clear, trail hunting does not exist, whatever the hunt will try and tell you. We know it, they know it. It is high time this blatant cruelty was sent into the history books. Strengthen the ban.

Helen Wallage

As far as I was aware it’s illegal to kill a fox in this way, assuming these people are not breaking the law then they are simply keeping a tradition going. I see no problem with their activity.

Cumbrian Guy

It’s a country tradition slightly changed as now they follow a trail.

Same for All

Just because it’s traditional?! Like when women stayed at home, while the men went to work. Like when women weren’t allowed to vote, run in marathons. Or it was tradition that only men could be doctors. Well guess what... It can be changed for the better good.

Marie Heard Glen

When will people understand that it ain’t a fox hunt, it’s a trail scent hunt. Really wish people get to know the facts before shouting their mouths off. The hounds and horses are as traditional as Christmas. In fact let’s ban Christmas as it a bit old fashioned now.

Darran Walker

So if the hounds “just happened to find” a fox on this so-called scent trail, would they say to it: “Yeah it’s okay Nigel, we are just following scent today, no panic mate.”

Or would they rip it to shreds?

James Benson

Hope it was a good turn out and the sabs stayed away.

Jess Phillips

Let the people who understand the countryside look after it and not interfere. They have done it for hundreds of years and that’s why we have the beauty we all love and enjoy.

Neil Walker

I love traditions but some should remain in the past.

Paul Smith

Hooray Henries. Outdated and out of order.

Paul Corbishley

Very nice to see the horses and people out keeping this tradition alive.

Brian Studholme

It’s mad because half of you complaining about fox hunting live in a city surrounded by buildings and never even seen a fox in your life. You haven’t a clue the damage a fox does to the countryside.

Kie Harrison

I would have gone along to support this very [outdated] British tradition but I was too busy shoving children up chimneys and drowning witches.

Angela Darwell Fisher

It’s just exercising horses and dogs isn’t it? No killing foxes involved?

Pauline Burke

“Trail hunting” is a flimsy cover for maintaining pre-ban activity.

Lisa Robinson

For all the “oh the poor fox” brigade, I wish somebody would post a picture of a chicken coup or pheasant pen after a fox had been in, it might give you food for thought. Also it’s people’s livelihoods that are affected.

Kenneth Wilson

Hope the fox trips them up.

Dawn Hocking

Hope everyone had a good day out.

Ben Jackson

Long may it continue.

Thomas Cramp