News and Star readers have shared their opinions after the newspaper received a letter discussing trail laying as a smokescreen for continued fox hunting.

In the letter, the reader explained: “In April this year, I contacted Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner to inquire how – in the light of this new information – Cumbria police intended to enforce the 2004 Hunting Act."

In reply, the PCC made it clear that he expected the police to enforce the law against all forms of illegal hunting.”

The letter has caused much discussion on the News and Star’s Facebook page.

Tallulah Momoa wrote: “Hunts are notorious in breaking every rule they can to satisfy their bloodlust. We like to think that we are a modern, forward thinking society, when still allowing our (declining) wildlife be terrorised and torn apart by hounds under the direction if the hunt master.

Simon James is disgusted at the thought of hunting wildlife. He added: “Imagine going out getting satisfaction chasing an animal until exhaustion then take pleasure in watching it being torn to pieces. Very worrying if people like that get to wander round in society.”

Rachel Mossop McGarel, a former resident of the Isle of Man, can see the reasoning behind the trips. She said: “I don’t like fox hunting, but let the countryside people do their hobbies. They have stopped trailing foxes, I live in the countryside, and work with these folk. If one gets in the way, it can’t be helped. I lived on the Isle of man for years, they don’t have foxes, but still have their hunts.”

Mark Cleminson feels that hunts should be continued. He posted: “Foxhunting is part of our country. Sports should never be banned, and foxes cause more misery to the farmers of Cumberland. Get the dogs out and let’s get the foxes on horses.”

Neil Armstrong feels that now is not the time for a ban on hunting to be put forward to the Government. He said: “I think there are more pressing issues than this in the UK at the moment that need sorted…”