Isnt it a bit of a diversionary tactic for blair, stating the obvious. The problem i have with this whole arguement is that people often make decisions without having seen the full picture. Who has actually been to see a fox hunt? I dont actually practice it myself but I have tagged along to a couple and they didnt even catch anything, and it seems they rarely do. Most foxes get shot by gamekeepers and farmers, as often they are considered pests. The thing that disgusts me the most is the extremest protestors, in many cases if anyone is the disgusting animal its them. I went with my family, two younger sisters included, and a bunch of people stood at the gate swearing at us, throwing stuff and calling us "child molestors" "granny bashers" I kid you not.
It is first and foremost a social event where people like to ride their horses fast get dressed up, that is true. The class thing is bullshit, i know lots of people from all so called "classes" that are involved. Many of them are low payed farmworkers or just ordionary local people, often with a passion for horses. This is especially true here in essex, where not everyone speaks like the queen.
I just think it's sad that a tradition has to end, and can't help thinking this undermines peoples choices. If people don't like it then they can ingnore it. i accept people want to stand up for their principles, but whatever happend to freedom of choice.
I go game shooting quite a lot, and enjoy it imensly. We DO EAT EVERYTHING WE SHOOT too, roast pheasant or partridge has a wonderfull flavour, especially when hung for a few days. These birds are fresh, and you know where they came from, you plcuk and draw them yourself. Surely this is a better state of affairs than the atrocious conditions poultry are kept in, battery hens etc. Can't people understand that it is the thrill of waiting for a bird, of hunting it, you dont hit every bird! Its the anticipation and feeling of satisfying the male hunter gatherer instinct as such. At least these birds have lived! there in nothing to stop them from flying away,and indeed they do. It is also a nice social time. I go shooting with both my father and grandfather. People of all ages are involved.
I think maybe we've all become a bit too soft....... The way animals are processed for supermarket food is in my opinion oftenpretty awfull, much worse than shooting.
So i hope you can see it from my and perhaps others viewpoint.......