September 2002

(*)- added since last update

Yorkshire Post 30.9.02 I still back total ban on 'cruel' hunting, says Blair - TONY BLAIR yesterday gave a clear signal that he would still back a total ban on fox-hunting. Just days after he saluted the huge countryside march through London, the Prime Minister made clear it had not changed his mind on hunting. He told BBC1's Breakfast with Frost yesterday: "I think it is cruel and I do not understand why people want to do it in that way."… (story)

Bolton Evening News 30.9.02 MP's fox hunt plea to locals - AN MP is urging Boltonians who support a ban on fox hunting to make their views known to the Government. David Crausby, who represents Bolton North-east, has asked constituents to spell out their concerns to Rural Affairs Minister Alun Michael… (story in archive)

Hull Daily Mail 30.9.02 Police say no action will be taken against the Holderness Hunt after a badger was disturbed from its sett during a recent hunt…. (story)

East Anglian Daily Times 30.9.02 How to interpret the opinion polls - I am obliged to point out that G Latham has made several mistakes in his letter about hunting views statistics. His revelation that support for a ban on hunting is waning is untrue…. The vast majority of the British public want to see the back of hunting. Case closed! KLARE KENNETT, RSPCA South East regional press officer (letter)

East Anglian Daily Times 6.9.02 Poll showed number opposed to hunting - Sir, - Both Daniel Webb and G Richards question the number of people who oppose hunting in their correspondence… in January 2002, a MORI poll showed that 72 per cent of people believe fox hunting should be illegal, 80pc believe that deer hunting should be illegal and 81pc believe that hare coursing should be illegal… KLARE KENNETT, RSPCA South East Regional Press Officer (letter)
East Anglian Daily Times 19.8.02 Fight for our unique countryside - – I am responding to a letter from a Klare Kennet of the RSPCA. I am 16 and am about to start a National Certificate in Gamekeeping, I am also a Country Alliance member… In her letter Kennet stated that there were only 39,000 hunt supporters. Yes, perhaps only 39,000 who regularly go hunting on a regular basis, but there are hundreds of thousands of people who support it and hundreds who rely on hunting for their livlihood. Also if there are only 39,000 hunt supporters why did over 300,000 people turn up for the last 'Countryside March'?...DANIEL WEBB, Wetheringsett (letter)
East Anglian Daily Times 19.8.02 Fight for our unique countryside - Klare Kennett's letter of August 14 invites us to fall into a classical “statistics” trap… Using her figures there are more people against hunting than for it, this may or may not be true but she confidently states that hunting has 27,000 subscribers and 39,000 supporters, a total of 66,000 pro hunting out of a rural population of 11 million. This however does not mean, as she implies, that 10,934,000 people are opposed to hunting!... Using her fallacious arguments against her, the case could be made for banning the RSPCA, all political parties or even the Roman Catholic Church in England because only a minority support them!... G RICHARDS, Layham (letter)
East Anglian Daily Times 14.8.02 High time hunting was banned - Sir, – I would like to respond to the letter from D Rodd of Colchester claiming that "cruelty is being used as a smokescreen to the hunting debate when the truth is class hatred by a large amount of protestors."… RSPCA is campaigning for this cruel pastime to be outlawed. It is time hunting with dogs was consigned to the history books where it belongs. KLARE KENNETT, RSPCA South East Regional Press Officer. (letter)
East Anglian Daily Times 7.8.02 Suffering class envy Sir, - It is surely the people who support fox hunting who are suffering from class envy, as many are involved in the 'sport' to be associated with what they perceive to be the upper class, thus to be a fox hunter is to be a member of that class… S BEARHAM, Greenstead Green, Near Halstead (letter)
East Anglian Daily Times 1.8.02 You can't justify barbarity - In a letter to your paper on July 24, Jenny Hadley pointed out that not all of those who live in the country support hunting. I would just like to assure her that she is far from being on her own, with opinion polls supporting her position as being one in the majority living in the countryside…. At the same time I would like to take objection to some of the comments made by Miles Cooper in a letter published on July 10… L PAYNE, Birch Avenue, Dovercourt (letter)
East Anglian Daily Times 30.7.02 Hunters are not people of 'class' - Sir, – I agree with Jennie Hadley about the hunting fraternity… I too, am a country woman and I abhor hunting of wild animals with horses or dogs… FERIAL ROGERS, Holly Cottages, Little Bealings, Woodbridge (letter)
East Anglian Daily Times 24.7.02 Class envy is not anti-hunting motive - Sir, – You have recently printed comments from the hunting fraternity which suggest that those against hunting do so from class prejudice or envy… I am a working class country woman who has detested hunting all her life. I do not covet the wealth, possessions or position in society of hunting folk to justify my opposition to it… JENNY M HADLEY, Mill Rise, Saxmundham (letter)
East Anglian Daily Times 18.7.02 Class hatred drives anti-hunt protesters - As an observer to the fox hunting debate I find it interesting that no one from the anti hunting brigade commented on Jan Finch's letter (EADT May 16)… the truth is class hatred by a large amount of protesters… D RODD, Colchester. (letter)

Bolton Evening News 30.9.02 Just look at what country folk are so angry about - LET'S ban hunting, as promised by Labour years ago, and give the economy a real boost. If Charles emigrated, it would save the taxpayer millions… So what exactly are the country communities mostly complaining about? Hunting, coursing and yet more murderous activities being banned. A Merchant, Halliwell Road, Bolton (letter in archive)

Shropshire Star 30.9.02 You must report this to the RSPCA - I would like to respond to the letter "Bloody fox was ripped apart limb from limb", dated Tuesday September 24, 2002… I would like to ask, therefore, if the above correspondent reported this appaling act immediately to the RSPCA, Master of Foxhounds Association and/or the police… If the above did not know the names of anyone involved in this act (or even the name of the hunt), but just happened to be out strolling and stumble on this awful event, then the date it took place and the location will immediately identify the hunt, and more importantly the masters responsible…. M J E Browning, Joint Hon Sec The Wheatland Hunt Bridgnorth (letter in archive)
Shropshire Star 27.9.02 Anonymity discredits testimony - You published an anonymous letter on September 24 from a person who claims to have seen a fox dug out of a drain, its tail cut off, then thrown to hounds. I do not believe your correspondent and consider the letter to be spurious anti hunting propaganda… Keith Erlandson, Denbighshire (letter in archive)
Shropshire Star 24.9.02 Bloody fox was ripped apart limb from limb - Regarding the letter from Harry Sawyers, published in the Shropshire Star on September 19, in which he poured scorn upon the phrase "ripped alive limb from limb"… I have seen an exhausted and terrified fox go to earth in a land drain. I have seen the hunt staff dig down to it and, wearing protective gloves, grasp the half-drowned fox… cut off the still alive fox… the struggling fox raised in the air and thrown into the middle of the hounds where it was ripped alive limb from limb to the cheers of the hunt members… Name and address supplied (letter in archive)

Worcester Evening News 30.9.02 Mindless actions by hunters - WITH reference to the hunting issue, I am surprised that no one has mentioned the mindless graffiti that is appearing all over our roads… Then we have the issue of the beacons being lit. Not only would it have disturbed wildlife with the fireworks, but the fire brigade had many false alarms, wasting their time… KATE COX, Worcester (letter in archive)

Torquay Herald Express 30.9.02 CONSIGN SO-CALLED SPORT TO HISTORY - I am writing to show my disgust at the total bias shown by newspapers and TV stations in their opposition to a ban on bloodsports, most notably fox hunting… I'm no outsider, I've lived in the bay all my life and I know there is huge support for a ban on blood sports… L GODFREY, The Willows, Barton (letter)

Swindon Evening Advertiser 30.9.02 What's barbaric? - I have often wondered if those who nominate foxhunting as barbaric adopt the same attitude when it comes to the mass butchery of unborn children in our nation… L Arnott, Athelstan Rd, Sheffield (letter in archive)

South Wales Evening Post 30.9.02 SPORT HUNTING IS BARBARIC - Many of us urban dwellers have spent a large chunk of our lives visiting the countryside… But hunting for sport is totally unacceptable in the 21st Century, it's cruel and barbaric…. M Charles Address supplied (letter)

Northern Echo 30.9.02 FIRST WORLD WAR - SO Tony Blair is to allow a free vote in Parliament on the question of fox hunters. But no debate whatever, free or under the control of the Chief Whip, is to be allowed for teenage soldiers such as Private William Hunter, of North Shields, sentenced to death by firing squad in the First World War… John Hipkin, Newcastle (letter in archive)

Exeter Express & Echo 30.9.02 CONSERVATIVES IN EUROPE KEEN ON ANIMAL WELFARE I have received a great many letters with regard to animal welfare in livestock markets. Along with my Conservative colleagues in the European Parliament, I have always been extremely concerned to promote the prevention of cruelty to animals and to ensure that animals are treated in a decent and responsible manner…Giles Chichester MEP. Queen Street, Exeter (letter)

Argus 30.9.02 Trapped pigeon is saved by Fay Millar - Firefighters had to part-close a shopping street in Haywards Heath to save a trapped pigeon… The RSPCA became worried about the bird's welfare after it became trapped in netting round a parapet designed to stop pigeons resting there… A spokesman for the fire station said: "We had to close off the pavement to Saturday afternoon shoppers and put up a ladder to rescue the pigeon. "It is a busy road at the best of times but even worse on a Saturday." (story in archive)

Birmingham Evening Post 30.9.02 Pets fair blast By Andy Probert, Evening Mail - Animal rights campaigners today slammed Redditch Borough Council bosses for allowing an "illegal" reptile event to be staged in the town…. Elaine Toland, a spokesman for Animal Aid, said Redditch council had ignored legal advice assembled by Animal Aid which had been campaigning for years to close such fairs down… (story)

Sunday Times 29.9.02 Senior police defy minister by insisting hunting is legal - Mark Macaskill - SCOTLAND’S most senior police officers have ruled that foxhunting is still legal despite a call by Lord Watson, the sports minister who originally proposed the ban, for hunts to be prosecuted. Since the Protection of Wild Mammals (Scotland) Bill came into force last month, six of the 10 hunts in Scotland have exploited a clause in the bill that allows them to hunt with packs of hounds under the banner of pest control. In some cases foxes have been pursued by hounds, although not always killed by them. Yesterday, during a hunt near Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, hounds were sent into woodland to flush out foxes towards marksmen more than half a mile away... Richard Holman-Baird, master of the Kincardineshire hunt, said: “The reality is that the exemption has allowed us to still use the hounds. The public will quickly realise they are as likely to see a pack of hounds now as they ever were." However, Watson believes the huntsmen are acting unlawfully and he has called for a test case in the Scottish courts... Last week a spokesman for Strathclyde police said a meeting had been scheduled between senior officers and local hunt members to discuss their interpretation of the act but emphasised that pest control would not always be policed because of limited resources (story)
Sunday Times 29.9.02 Focus: Shooting a hole in the law Scotland’s Protection of Wild Mammals bill was supposed to ban foxhunting and steal a march on Westminster, but it has failed. Hunts have just found ways to bend the rules, writes Mark Macaskill Allan Murray, a leading figure in the Scottish Countryside Alliance, could be forgiven for feeling a moment of pride. Early yesterday morning the 24 hounds of the Jedforest hunt were summoned by the master’s bugle to a wet field in the grounds of Rue Castle Farm... Scotland’s foxhunting fraternity breathed a collective sigh of relief. For RichardHolman-Baird, master of the Kincardineshire Hunt, the news sparked an idea. It occured to him that, under the terms of the Act, it would be lawful for hunts to continue as before, so long as they ensured that armed marksmen were on hand to shoot the fox once it had been flushed out by the hounds... According to Trevor Adams, master of the Buccleuch hunt, of the 30 foxes that have been dispatched since August, five of the 30 killed have been finished off by hounds rather than shot.... Last month Holman-Baird was reported to the local police station when a villager spotted him exercising his pack of 40 hounds. The villager wanted to know why the pack had not been destroyed under the act... (story)

Sunday Telegraph 29.9.02 Sunday Telegraph 29.9.02 - We enjoyed Leo McKinstry's article on the Middle Way Group ("There is no third way in the hunting debate", Comment, Sep 15). Factually, three points to make. First, Lembit Opik was born in Bangor, not Belfast. Second, he's Estonian, not Lithuanian. Third, the Middle Way Group always welcomes suggestions to improve its proposals… Lembit Opik MP, Baroness Golding, Peter Luff MP, Co-Chairmen, All Party Parliamentary Middle Way Group, House of Commons, London SW1 (letter)

Sunday Times 29.9.02 Your letter writers have the usual misconceptions on foxhunting. Farmers have no interest in allowing hunts on their land for draghunting… John Embrey, Dollar, Clackmannanshire (letter)

Telegraph 28.9.02 Britain evenly split on foxhunting - Britain is split down the middle on foxhunting and there is no longer a "natural" majority in favour of a ban, a new poll shows. While 50 per cent of the people questioned in a Telegraph/YouGov poll believed that hunting should be criminalised, 48 per cent favoured tighter regulations or keeping the status quo....More than half of those polled said the Government should be more sympathetic and determined to help those involved in the march; 64 per cent said the Prince was justified in writing to the Prime Minister about countryside issues...(story)
Telegraph 28.9.02 The march worked - On reading the results of the Telegraph/YouGov poll in today's paper, the organisers of last weekend's Liberty and Livelihood March can congratulate themselves on the effectiveness of their demonstration. National sympathies are firmly with the marchers, the rural population and the thoughts expressed by Prince Charles that also emerged last weekend.... t's worth looking closely at how important people think action on hunting is. Only three per cent think a ban is a top priority, and 70 per cent think the Government should be concerning itself with more vital political issues.... (story)
Telegraph 28.9.02 Foxhunting divides nation into tribes By Anthony King - Banning foxhunting is a divisive issue that only a minority of people think should be anywhere near the top of the Government's agenda, according to a YouGov poll for The Telegraph.... The Prime Minister has long deplored "tribalism" in British politics, but foxhunting seems to have the power, almost uniquely among contemporary political issues, to split the nation into tribes. That is almost certainly why the Blair government has postponed action on the issue for so long and would still postpone it if possible.... Anthony King is professor of government at Essex University (story)

Cambridge News 28.9.02 Good, bad and politics - From Rodger Milnes, Fen End, Over - MR UNWIN (Letters, September 23 “Move off the Land”) is the sort to blame the Conservatives for all his problems. Who is this Lord Beacham who helped the Tories to close down the railways? I’ll bet it was the same as the Lord Beeching, whose 1963 Report was implemented by the 1964-9 Labour Government courtesy of Barbara Castle to decimate our railways.... (letter)
Cambridge News 23.9.02 Move off the land - IT DOES appear strange to me why the Countryside Alliance blames the Labour Government for all its problems. With the help of Lord Beacham it was the Tories who closed the rural rail network. They privatised the buses, reducing the routes, allowed council homes to be sold… If farmers are so unhappy with their lot then why don’t they sell up and get another job, just like the steel workers and miners did. The only difference is they had no choice - From Keith Unwin - Stonefield, Bar Hill (letter)

Western Morning News 28.9.02 'Sport' is the issue - DARTMOOR farmer Anton Coaker (WMN, September 24) says he called his local kennels who sent a couple of men and four hounds to stalk and kill a fox. What the League Against Cruel Sports object to, and most members of the public protest about, is killing animals for sport. The two men from the kennels were not accompanied by a ghoulish entourage of 30 riders, 30 horses, and 40 hounds.... John Phelps, Exeter (letter)

Plymouth Evening Herald 28.9.02 I believe that the failure to introduce a total ban on foxhunting is an absolute sham upon democracy... TOM TAYLOR, St Budeaux (letter)

Derby Evening Telegraph 28.9.02 SAVE CASH FOR JOBLESS - D. MONK (Opinion, September 18) suggests that the RSPCA should use legacies to save its Derby shelter from closure instead of spending money on press campaigns to abolish foxhunting. I have read and heard many excuses for the continuance of blood sports, but I find these particular comments despicable... J. Hardwick, Church Croft, Ripley (letter)

South Wales Evening Post 28.9.02 HOW CAN THIS BE DEFENDED? - I find the bullying tactics of the Countryside Alliance and its supporters thoroughly obnoxious. By threats and blackmail they are trying to force a democratically elected government to change its policy in their favour... Mary Calis, Lan Street, Morriston, Swansea (letter)

Bristol Evening Post 28.9.02 BARBARIC METHODS ARE NOT SPORTING - The hunters have at last learned that although their mob tactics work with the defenceless fox it carries no weight with the public majority and the Government who intend at very long last to ban hunting. For those who think fox-hunting is a sport I would like to relate an all too frequent incident from a follower of the Derwent Hunt... E A Smith. (letter)

Lincolnshire Echo 28.9.02 CALL TO PROTECT ANIMALS - Police are asking nature-lovers to help them protect countryside animals. Lincolnshire Police Rural Intelligence Officer PC Nigel Lound is looking for members of the public to help clamp down on sports such as badger baiting and lamping.... "Lamping has also become more and more common - whereby offenders use a large spotlight to spot an animal and then set the dogs on them. It is cruel beyond extreme."... (story)

Worcester Evening News 28.9.02 Pigeon advice I WAS surprised when I read about Hodson's Café's "problem" with pigeons that the city environmental health department had not given Mr Machin information of the Pigeon Control Advisory Service... PAULINE BURGESS, Friends of the Feral Pigeons (letter in archive)

Western Mail 28.9.02 Live Welsh lamb exports spark protest By Amanda Brown - Animal welfare campaigners were starting a vigil today in protest at the resumption of live lamb exports, most of which are coming from Wales. The demonstration organised by Compassion in World Farming was being staged at Dover Docks in Kent. Supporters are angry at what they say is a cruel and barbaric trade... (story)

Telegraph 27.9.02 A free country By Stephen Robinson - Whatever may be the constitutional wisdom of his correspondence with government ministers, the Prince of Wales has a point in passing on to Tony Blair the comments of a farmer who suggested that black people would not be treated as badly as those who hunt foxes. Perhaps unwittingly, Prince Charles has hit upon one of the most unsatisfactory aspects of the Human Rights Act, which incorporated the European Convention on Human Rights into British law…. Those who drafted the human rights convention betray a depressing "group" mentality, seeing the HRA's role in protecting human rights as that of a mediator between various interests and pressure groups, while suppressing the notion that the British might enjoy liberty as individuals. (story)

Scotsman 27.9.02 Intriguing - I read with interest your report (23 September) on the Jed Forest Hunt’s interpretation of the law prohibiting hunting with dogs in Scotland. I was, however, slightly intrigued as to the comment by John Robins, of Animal Concern…. Surely, a fox shot with a "canon" such as that described is not likely to escape wounded, or any remains ever be found again for that matter. Edward Bewsher EDINBURGH (letter)
Scotsman 23.9.02 More animals killed under Scots ban - WHEN the Jed Forest Hunt assembled at the beginning of this month for the new season, there was a slight difference to the way the fox was killed since the hunt’s inception in 1884. Instead of the fox being mauled by the hounds, it was instead shot by two professional gunmen hired for the day. As a result, more foxes are being killed than under the traditional form of hunting…. The "firing squad" technique was described as highly dangerous by John Robins, of Animal Concern, who believes that, while the killing may be quicker, there is strong evidence that a fox suffers terribly in the chase itself…. Jeremy Whaley, the master of the Berwickshire Hunt, is a reluctant supporter of shooting the fox after a chase. He said the method could be more cruel than allowing dogs to finish off a fox because more foxes would escape wounded by gunfire. "But if that is the way the Scottish Parliament says things must be, it is not for us to complain. "(story)
Scotland on Sunday 22.9.02 March of the hunters - FOR fox-like cunning, it was hard to beat. Eight months ago the Scottish parliament thought it had savaged fox-hunting with hounds to death by banning the pursuit in Scotland. Yet as the mists rose over the Scottish Borders last week, the Buccleuch Hunt, as it has been for centuries, was in full cry. The hounds, yelping in anticipation, were homing in on their bushy-tailed quarry while a group of riders struggled to keep up. For the hunt’s Master of the Foxhounds, Trevor Adams, it was good to be back in the saddle even if he now leads an upmarket version of Rentokil - like eight of Scotland’s 10 lowland hunts, the Buccleuch Hunt claims it is now strictly in the pest control business… Of the 30 foxes that the Buccleuch has despatched since riding out three times a week since August, 25 have been shot while five have been finished off by the hounds. The hunters are exploiting a loophole in the law that still allows foxes to be killed by hounds if they do not leave the cover of woodland or are injured and require instant despatch…. both the Buccleuch hunt and the Jedforest hunts in the Borders have admitted allowing their packs to kill foxes since hunting resumed last month…. (story)

Western Daily Press 27.9.02 HUNT CAN PAY DOGS' UPKEEP - Sir - S Longden rightly voices concern for the hounds should hunting be banned. Hunts have known for the past five years that hunting wild mammals with dogs could become illegal, but they have continued to breed and train hounds to hunt live quarry with total disregard for their future welfare… Janet Hall Cirencester Gloucestershire (letter)
Western Daily Press 17.9.02 BREED WILL BE HOUNDED OUT - Over many months, your readers have pointed out how cruel hunting with hounds is and have shown great sympathy for the fox. Do I take it for granted that the same people will home some of these hounds if hunting is banned?...At the last count, the RSPCA had 120,000 unwanted pets, which they cannot re-home and have trouble finding food for. Goodness knows what they will do with young, fit foxhounds that understand no other life than hunting and living in a pack… S Longden Bristol (letter)

Worcester Evening News 27.9.02 It's a single issue body - IT'S a bit rich for Peter Luff to warble on about "the countryside" when he is pictured (P5, Evening News, September 17) setting light to a huge bonfire. Apart from the ensuing environmental pollution, the fire brigade had to deal with a large number of call-outs across the country… A KNITTEL, Worcester. (letter in archive)

Exeter Express & Echo 27.9.02 MP SHOULD NOTE MAJORITY SUPPORT DEATH PENALTY - Exeter MP Ben Bradshaw cannot have it both ways. In My point of view, September 25, he defends the move to ban hunting by saying this is the will of the majority in the whole country. May I assume that he will now back the long overdue restoration of capital punishment… Norman Shiel, St Leonard's, Exeter (letter)

Derby Evening Telegraph 27.9.02 BACK FARMERS NOT FOXHUNTING - I recently had a disagreement with a Spanish visitor over my disapproval of bullfighting… The visitor was quick to point out that the British had no right to criticise another country's blood sports when we approve of the barbaric killing of defenceless foxes by packs of dogs…. C. Harris, letter by e-mail (letter)

Bristol Evening Post 27.9.02 AMAZING CLAIMS OF HUNTING FOLK - I find it quite amazing that the hunt and the Countryside Alliance have so successfully managed to blur the delineation between hunting with dogs and the survival of country values… I have been hunting and have also been a hunt saboteur. I have seen the consequence of hunting, both good (for necessary culling or food, certainly morally superior to buying mass-produced meat from a supermarket) and bad (for the gratification of gun-mad fools in camouflage gear)…. (letter)

Malvern Gazette 27.9.02 Creditors face losses - AN exhibitor at the Game and Country Show has spoken of her disappointment at losing three days' pay because its organisers went into liquidation. Eileen Hill, who travelled down from her West Yorkshire farm to give sheepdog demonstrations during the event, found a cheque for her £1,300 fee had been cancelled when she tried to cash it… (story in archive)
Worcester Evening News 20.9.02 Staff anger at bankrupt fair - THE organisers of an agricultural show held in Malvern earlier this month have gone into liquidation - leaving angry ground staff waiting for their money. The Three Counties Agricultural Society has confirmed that the Game and Country Fair, which was held at its showground, has gone bankrupt…. It was supported by the Countryside Alliance, the National Farmers' Union and the Country Land and Business Association. The show at Malvern was the first of its kind…. (story in archive)

CIWF RESUMPTION OF LIVE EXPORTS LETTER
Streatham Guardian 27.9.02 Help to stop live exports - For the first time since the foot and mouth crisis last year, live lambs have been exported from Dover despite the public protests against this trade.... PAULINE SCOTT, Gilbey Road, Tooting (letter)
Leicester Mercury 9.9.02 EXPORT OF LIVE ANIMALS IS A 'CRUEL TRADE' - For the first time since the foot-and-mouth crisis last year, live lambs have been exported from Dover, despite public protests against this trade… S Overton, Narborough (letter)
Rutland & Stamford Mercury 6.9.02 A plan to stop live exports - I WRITE with reference to the letter from Lisa Vanden Heuvel (Aug 9) headed ‘Live exports are back’. The letter is on behalf of the charity Compassion in World Farming, but uses the example of the live export of lambs into Europe. I think it is important we understand why the lambs are being exported. There are a number of factors… British supermarkets have not been persuaded to ‘shop locally’… The Government does nothing to encourage respect or enthusiasm for British agriculture, for example the MoD feeds the armed forces on imported meat, while DEFRA ordered widescale culling during the foot-and-mouth crisis…. CLAIRE COLTON, Exeter Gardens, Stamford (letter)
Torquay Herald Express 5.9.02 CRUEL TRADE This July saw the resumption of a most cruel trade - the export of live food animals… EMMA MOORE Berkeley Avenue, Torquay(letter)
Plymouth Evening Herald 4.9.02 MEAT CRUELTY - I must agree with Janice Hunt - and so, I am sure, does every animal-lover - that refrigerated lorries are the answer to the live export trade… T McCANN, Southway <(letter)
Derby Evening Telegraph 31.8.02 EXPORT FEAR - Animal lovers will be upset to learn that the cruel live export trade has resumed after foot and mouth…. Elaine Jacklin, Breedon Street, Long Eaton. (letter)
East Anglian Daily Times 30.8.02 Facts on live exports appear outdated - Daphne Edwards, (EADT, August 26) claims farmers allow lambs to go for live export realising the suffering they have to endure. At the present time lambs may only be exported by Government approved hauliers, in vehicles of high standard. Space allowance, journey times, route planning, feeding, watering and rest periods are all laid down by law… D C COE, Gt Wenham (letter)
East Grinstead Courier 30.8.02 END CRUEL TRADE - The welcome end of the foot-and-mouth epidemic brings with it one real danger; the resumption of the cruel live animal export trade… Patricia Barrington, Tonbridge (letter)
North Devon Journal 30.8.02 NO CHOICE ON TRAVEL FOR POORLY-TREATED ANIMALS …Entirely from the point of view of the animals involved I would expect that they would prefer to be shot on their home ground rather than to be transported for maybe 72 hours without food, water or rest… PETER WEBB, Whitehouse Close, Instow. (letter)
Manchester Evening News 30.8.02 That's enough - FOR the first time since the terrible foot and mouth crisis last year, the live export trade has started up again… E Fysh, Timperley (letter)
Kidderminster Shuttle 29.8.02 Farmers lose sympathy over live animal export - FOR the first time since last year's foot and mouth crisis, live lambs have been exported from Dover, despite the public protests against this trade… MRS L OWENS, Ennerdale Road, Stourport (letter in archive)
Western Morning News 27.8.02 EXPORT LIVESTOCK 'ON THE HOOK', NOT 'ON THE HOOF - I have recently learnt from Compassion in World Farming, that the live export trade has started up again… Mrs O Green, Bovey Tracey Devon (letter)
East Anglian Daily Times 27.8.02 Protest against revival of live exports - Sir, - For the first time since the foot and mouth crisis last year, live lambs have been exported from Dover despite the public protest against this trade… DAPHNE EDWARDS, Pytches Road, Woodbridge. (letter)
Cambridge News 24.8.02 Live exports return - From Sue Hughes, High Street, Linton - PACKED together in stinking tiered trucks, our young lambs are once again suffering the horrors of the live export trade which resumed on July 15… (letter)
Exeter Express & Echo 24.8.02 HELP END BARBARIC LIVE ANIMAL EXPORT TRADE - Janet Moreley Isca Road, Exeter (letter)
Bury Times 23.8.02 Should we be sorry? - I WAS dismayed to learn that live exports had resumed in July… However, with lambs as young as two and three months now being exported one can only wonder whether the farmers' tears were shed for their animals or for the money they lost. PAT CROMPTON (Mrs), Watling Street, Affetside, Bury. (letter in archive)
Western Morning News 20.8.02 'Appalling' live animal trade - I AM appalled at the news of the resumption in the live animal export trade… I would also like to address the issue of Halal and Kosher slaughter. Whilst I respect all religions and their beliefs, I do not agree that this country should take account of particular doctrines, which will mean suffering for animals…. Claire Wright, Honiton (letter)
Kent/East Sussex Courier 17.8.02 The export of live animals has resumed… Mike Parcell, Chuck Hatch, Hartfield (letter)
Northern Echo 17.8.02 LIVESTOCK EXPORTS - LIVE lambs are again being exported from Dover, despite immense public protest regarding this trade… LIVE lambs are again being exported from Dover, despite immense public protest regarding this trade. (letter in archive)
Keighley News 16.8.02 SIR - The live export trade has just started up again…. GWYN HAMILTON, Burnroyd Ave, Cross Hills (letter in archive)
Liverpool Echo 14.8.02 FOR the first time since the foot and mouth crisis last year, live lambs have been exported from Dover, despite the public protests against this trade… Jean Street, Childwall (letter)/a>
York Evening Press 14.8.02 Farmers under stress - I AGREE with Jenny Horner that animals for meat would be better exported on the hook (Letters, July 31), but needs sadly must, and I am satisfied our stock will have every consideration during transport… Her callous statement "that farmers cried crocodile tears while raking-in vast amounts of compensation" beggars belief… Pamela Z. Frankland, Hull Road, Dunnington, York (letter in archive)
Argus 14.8.02 Cruel trade - As a member of Compassion in World Farming (CIWF), I was horrified to learn of the recent resumption of live animal exports… -Julia Wilde, Foundry Street, Brighton (letter in archive)
East Anglian Daily Times 14.8.02 Sir, - To live export or not to live export, that is the question. I agree with J P Jackson that "Our MPs are in so many cases puppets of the EU bureaucrats" (EADT, August 2)…. IAN SMITH, Philip Road, Bury St Edmunds (letter)
Western Morning News 13.8.02 Cruel trade starts again - P Folca, Dartmouth (letter)
Derby Evening Telegraph 13.8.02 PLEA TO END LIVE EXPORTS - Jane Whitehead, The Chase, Youlgreave (letter)
Swindon Evening Advertiser 12.8.02 Show you care - I WOULD like to ask readers a question would you consider it cruel for sheep, pigs and calves only two or three months old to be crammed on to trucks; transported for anything up to 90 hours without food and water to a destination in Southern Europe?... many so-called caring British farmers allow this to happen by agreeing to export their animals abroad… you can contact Compassion in World Farming on 01730237379 or contact the National Farmers' Union on 0207331 7200 and voice your concerns (please refrain from using abusive language, as this does not help). steve Dixon, Swindon Animal Concern (letter in archive)
Gloucester Citizen 12.8.02 FARMERS LOSING OUR SYMPATHY …Coming on the back of the disclosures that the foot-and-mouth epidemic cost the taxpayer billions of pounds in compensation and clear-up payments, it is surely time to tell the farmers "enough is enough" - they are losing our sympathy… LIZ STATHAM, Minsterworth (letter)
Exeter Express & Echo 10.8.02 LAMBS EXPORTED ACROSS EUROPE FOR SLAUGHTER - Mary P Tamlyn, Elm Grove Road, Topsham (letter)
Blackpool Citizen 9.8.02 Trade in live animals - S Dobson, Wyredale Road, St Annes. (letter in archive)
Plymouth Evening Herald 9.8.02 LAMB EXPORT - JANICE HUNT, Lower Compton (letter)
Lewisham News Shopper 8.8.02 ANIMAL EXPORTS: …call Compassion in World Farming… A Howard, Heathway SE3 (letter)
Lewisham News Shopper 8.8.02 FARM COMPASSION: … Being a supporter of Compassion in World Farming, I am asking for the public's support in ending this cruel trade … Mrs D L Mallen, Fernbrook Road, Lewisham (letter)
Northern Echo 8.8.02 ANIMAL WELFARE - ANIMAL lovers all over the country will be sad to hear that, after the break due to foot-and-mouth, the live export of animals for slaughter has started up again… OA Parker, Billingham (letter in archive)
East Anglian Daily Times 8.8.02 Why animals need us to speak up for them - I'm writing in regards to J P Jackson's letter (EADT, August 2) saying that live exports will go on… Writing to Margaret Beckett of DEFRA isn't a waste of time. We can't give up, these poor animals need us to speak for them… TINA CANHAM, Palmerston Road, Ipswich (letter)
Torquay Herald Express 7.8.02 END LIVE EXPORTS - I am writing to ask your readers to support Compassion in World Farming in its campaign to ban the export of live animals to the continent…. MICHAEL N CORKERY Seymour Drive Watcombe Park Torquay (letter)
Torquay Herald Express 5.8.02 WRETCHED LIVE EXPORTS - Now that the wretched live export trade has started up again, will our farmers shed a tear for the animals they have condemned to such a cruel fate? During the foot and mouth outbreak, we were confronted almost daily by pictures in the press of weeping farmers… JEAN TURNER Dean Road, Plympton (letter)
Plymouth Evening Herald 5.8.02 LIVE EXPORTS - Bad, bad news! 2,500 lambs (approximately) were exported from Dover on July 15. So it's started again!... LOUISE PIDDINGTON, Stoke (letter)
York Evening Press 5.8.02 Crocodile tears - Jenny Horner's rant about "farmers crying crocodile tears last year" (Letters, July 31) has sickened those who have lost animals and suffered as a result of the disastrous foot and mouth epidemic… While we would prefer that animals be slaughtered in the UK and then exported in meat form, the UK is part of the European Union and therefore has to abide by EU rules on the transportation of animals. Rob Simpson, NFU PR Officer, York. (letter in archive)
York Evening Press 5.8.02 THE re-start in exporting live farm animals for slaughter to far off countries highlights one of the cruellest trades…. D James, Huntington Road, York (letter in archive)
East Anglian Daily Times 5.8.02 No justification for live exports - I, like Mrs S P Drake was alarmed to hear that the live export trade had started up again…. J I POWER (Mrs), East End Lane, East Bergholt, Colchester (letter)
Yorkshire Post 3.8.02 Time to ban cruel export trade From: Joan Sykes, The Garden House, Gledhow Lane, Leeds. … On July 15, more than 2,000 lambs were exported from Dover …
From: ME Newbury, The Avenue, Kirklington, Bedale. - D uring the foot-and-mouth epidemic I saw a farmer on television almost in tears because his dear little lambs were being shot in the fields where they had been born. Now he must be jumping for joy because live exports have started again….
From: Janet Walsh, Lidgett Place, Leeds. Sir, - It seems that we have learned nothing from the foot-and-mouth crisis, as live animal exports and presumably the hazardous mixing of stock, has now been resumed. Already, 2,500, 12-week-old lambs have been exported from Dover…(letter)
Scotsman3.8.02 Cruel trade - FRANCES FAIRWEATHER, Argyle Gardens, Glasgow (story)
Westmorland Gazette 2.8.02 Campaign continues to ban live exports - Adele & Jill Garside, Staveley (letter in archive)
Harborough Mail 2.8.02 And still this evil trade goes on - THE day I have been dreading has arrived! On Monday and Saturday, July 15 and 20, the first consignment of lambs since the foot-and-mouth crisis was shipped to the continent from Dover… Jean Bird, Harborough Animal Concern. (letter)
East Anglian Daily Times 2.8.02 Live exports will go on Mrs S P Drake's request, (EADT, July 25), to those of us who oppose live animal exports, to write to Margaret Beckett, is a waste of time… I well remember, when I joined the Brightlingsea protests, the prospective Labour Party candidate pledging that, when we had a Labour government, live exports would have stopped. We have a Labour government and live animal exports have not been stopped… J P JACKSON, Wormingford, Colchester (letter)
Cumberland News 2.8.02 Our lambs go to a cruel slaughter - JENNIFER KREBS, Caldbeck (letter)
Craven Herald 2.8.02 SIR - I have received a letter today from Compassion in World Farming telling me that the live exports of animals has restarted…. Jean Cookson, Yealand Avenue, Giggleswick. Editor's note: We have received two further very similar letters on the same subject. (letter in archive)
Lewisham News Shopper 1.8.02 How much pain has your meal caused? - Despite months of campaigning, the live export of animals trade has just started up again… Mrs J Tuthill, Lambscroft Avenue, Mottingham (letter)
Sutton Guardian/Comet 1.8.02 Stand up against live exports - I understand Farmer's Ferry has announced it is ready to resume the live animal export trade in the first week of August 2002, and this after British taxpayers have bailed out the farming industry to a tune of billions of pounds… So, we can all be proud of the great British farmer who loves his animals, cries crocodile tears over them and then laughs all the way to the bank…. CATRIANO SHORT, St George's Gardens, Epsom (letter in archive)
Wiltshire Gazette & Herald 1.8.02 Lambs exported - WE wish to raise public awareness that the cruel trade of live export of lambs has started up again…. YVONNE FORSEY, ANNE KIRKBRIDE, ELIZABETH PADDON, Bishops Cannings, Devizes (letter in archive)
Bath Chronicle 1.8.02 ANIMAL SUFFERING - Through the Compassion in World Farming organisation I have learned that the export of live animals was resumed… IRENE GILES Holloway Bath (letter)
Whitehaven News 1.8.02 LIVE EXPORTS HAVE STARTED AGAIN - SIR - The Foot and Mouth epidemic put a welcome stop to the export of live animals to the continent, however, Compassion in World Farming (CIWF) is alerting the public to the fact that it has started up again… P M COX, Randle How, Eskdale Green (letter)
Torquay Herald Express 1.8.02 PITY THE ANIMALS - Adrian Sanders is right to draw attention in his column to the part animal movement played in the spread of foot and mouth disease… Live export has just resumed. On Monday July 15, nearly 2,500 lambs were exported from Dover…. R A GAGIE All Hallows Road Paignton (letter)
Shropshire Star 1.8.02 Barbarous practices must stop - So much suffering, so much misery, so much barbarity. I refer to the resumption of live exports… What I find so difficult to understand is just how unfeeling the people involved in this sick trade are, from Tony Blair who allows Defra to give licences to the hauliers, to the greedy farmers, who apparently only get an extra £3 extra per head for sending two to three month old lambs to Holland… As a very youthful 55-year-old vegan grandmother I am sickened by the unnecessary suffering to animals… Judi Hewitt Rhyl, Denbighshire (letter may be in archive)
The Sentinel (Stoke on Trent) 31.7.02 FIGHT THE LIVE EXPORT TRADE - Sir, - I am writing to alert your readers that after a ban due to foot and mouth disease, the live export trade has started up again… LYNN OSBORNE Stoke-on-Trent (letter)
York Evening Press 31.7.02 Lamb trade scandal …Two and a half thousand lambs were shipped from Dover on July 15 to Holland and then on to Italy, France or Spain to be slaughtered… If those farmers have the welfare of their animals at heart, they would stop this shameful trade now! - Jenny Horner, Avon Drive, Huntington, York (letter in archive)
Western Daily Press 31.7.02 THIS CRUEL EXPORT TRADE RESUMES - Ten years ago, I wrote a letter to your paper concerning the plight of animals being exported to Europe for slaughter. Nothing has changed. The foot-and-mouth outbreak put a stop to this trade temporarily, but now it has started again… D King Wookey Hole Wells Somerset (letter)
Yorkshire Evening Post 30.7.02 when will we learn? - It seems that we have learned nothing from the foot-and-mouth crisis, as live animal exports and presumably the hazardous mixing of stock, has now been resumed. Already 2,500 12-week-old lambs have been exported from Dover, initially to Holland… JANET S WALSH, Lidgett Place, Leeds 8 (letter)
Western Daily Press 29.7.02 EXPORT SCANDAL - Sir - Sadly the export of live lambs, some aged only two to three months has been resumed… Anyone wishing to substitute for this a carcass only trade, should contact compassion in world farming… M Calder Address supplied (letter)
East Grinstead Courier 27.9.02 NO THOUGHT FOR ANIMALS' WELFARE - The live export trade has just started up again. Nearly 2,500 lambs were exported from Dover on Monday, July 15 on the live export ship, Caroline… Diana Allchorne, Willow Crescent, Five Oak Green (letter)
Evesham Journal 25.7.02 Fight the live animal trade …In the early hours of Monday, July 15, 2,500, 2-3 month old Welsh lambs were herded onto the Canoline, the notorious live export ship … If you need any more information you can contact `Compassion In World Farming' … STEPHEN SCRIMSHAW, Hamilton Road, Evesham (letter in archive)

Telegraph 26.9.02 Labour tries to leave behind the Millbank myth - A new HQ means a relaxed new mood and an emphasis on discussion. David Triesman talks to Rachel Sylvester… Mr Triesman was clearly a little taken aback by the size of the Liberty and Livelihood March. But he predicts that despite the public backlash, the Government will press ahead with a ban on hunting with hounds. "It's right to consider what the march means and weigh it up, but I'm quite sure that it would be no great effort to come up with a petition, signed by several times the number of people who walked through London, saying you can't treat animals that way…"(story)

Northern Echo 26.9.02 Hear All Sides: Fox Hunting
THE majority of the population, including myself, feel that fox hunting is a hideous and barbaric sport and the sooner that it is banned the better… Martin Jones, Environment Spokesman, Liberal Democrats, Spennymoor Branch.
THERE is a lot of truth, and good sense in your editorial comment (Echo, Sept 24). But it should be noted that hunting is the one issue that has brought those with many other grievances together…. Organised fox hunting is highly regulated. All registered hunts have been visited by independent inspectors for the last three years. If hunting were to be banned that regulation would stop, but I doubt that many of your readers would believe that foxes would not continue to be killed…. Angela Vaux, Barton (letters in archive)

Manchester Evening News 26.9.02 I DIDN'T hear any protests from farmers and country people when the party most of them voted for, the Conservatives, destroyed half of British industry - engineering, shipyards, steel works, coal mines…. L B, Prestwich (letter)

Western Daily Press 26.9.02 PRACTICES DO NOT HELP NATURE - In response to the letter by Tracy, Marchioness of Worcester, she is wrong on the issue of hunting and shooting, but right on some other issues… A Williams Bath North Somerset (letter)
Western Daily Press 23.9.02 - Hunting is a way of preserving our natural environment in a world where everything is subordinated to corporate profit…. Tracy Marchioness of Worcester (letter)
Western Daily Press 20.9.02 HUNTERS ARE SAVIOURS OF OUR COUNTRYSIDE - Hunting is a way of preserving our natural environment in a world where everything is subordinated to corporate profit…. Perhaps British animal lovers are targeting the wrong villains? The natural symbiosis between farmer and wildlife has been eroded by the demands of agri-business and will be completely demolished if hunting is banned. Tracy Marchioness of Worcester (letter)

Western Daily Press 26.9.02 TOWN ATTRACTS ODD PEOPLE - I was horrified to read the letter from Julian Brown comparing hunting folk with serial killers… D M Harvey Dursley Gloucestershire (story)
Western Daily Press 23.9.02 IT'S CRUELTY ALL THE SAME - It was interesting and enlightening to read the evidence given by Professor Andrew Linzey at the hearings at Westminster on September 11 into the future of hunting. He said that people who were cruel to animals were more likely to harm other humans and could go on to become child abusers, rapists and torturers. I welcome this official link between the supporters of barbaric field sports and the abusers of our fellow man…. Julian Brown Hunters Way Stroud Gloucestershire (letter)

Shropshire Star 26.9.02 Cruelty is a bungled shot - I recently shot at a rabbit which was on my vegetable patch at the rear of my house. Sadly, despite becoming a marksman in the Army in 1943 with a four-inch group at 50 yards, I missed the aiming point and shot the rabbit in the neck, The rabbit ran away screaming, obviously in pain...THAT is cruelty…. With fox hunting, if the fox is caught by the hounds it is dead within 10 seconds…. Douglas Gifford, Ex 1st Commando Brigade (letter in archive)

Shropshire Star 26.9.02 Grim truth on hunting … I used to belong to a hunt… Fox hunting is not about control of the fox population, it is about a tiny minority who enjoy killing animals for their own pleasure… Avril James, West Felton, Oswestry (letter in archive)

Shropshire Star 26.9.02 Switch to drag trail … I say to the hunters: Accept that hunting is going to be banned and take up drag hunting - it's exactly the same but without the animal cruelty - and donate the money to charity where it will do some good instead of wasting it in a vain attempt at something you have no chance of winning… Mervyn Braithwaite, Ellesmere (letter in archive)

Shropshire Star 26.9.02 No animal should be so treated - Shall I tell you why I am against hunting with dogs? It is not just foxhunting, it's the other cruel sports… I have myself in my younger days joined in looking for the fox in the woods. I have been there when they have dug out cubs and seen them killed, though not on a hunt…. Name and address supplied (letter in archive)

Cumberland News & Star 26.9.02 IN response to MC of Carlisle (Liberty, Livelihood and Barbarism - Letters, September 24), I'd just like to say: yes, foxhunting is cruel, so let's ban it, and close down all the hunts in England…. The world may well be on the verge of World War Three, but hey, lets ban fox-hunting and do some 'toff-bashing' while we're at it. Great fun, don't you think? E MARSH, Warnell Drive, Carlisle (letter)

Manchester Evening News 26.9.02 WHILE most people have genuine sympathy with the grievances of country folk - for example, lack of amenities such as banks, post offices, etc - and those of hard working farmers, I feel there is little sympathy for those who indulge in "bloodsports" or "field sports"… It should be a government priority to ban all hunting with dogs, close down animal concentration camps which house unhealthy chicken farming, and suggest to members of the royal family that they should set an example to the country by abandoning their hunting and shooting activities. David S Lawson, Stockport (letter)

Daily Record 26.9.02 HUNT THEM - The rural and fox hunting debate has got nothing to do with saving the poor wee beasts. It's about the battle of the classes and our ruling classes still trying to keep down those beneath them. But this is the 21st century, not the 19th century… Ian Speirs, Kilmarnock (letter)

Tavistock Times 26.9.02 Hunt helped me keep my chickens - MY experience is completely the opposite to Peter Barnes’ (Letters September 19). For the first time in 12 years I recently lost, one morning, all my ducks, my cockerel and three quarters of my flock of free range chickens… The local hunt answered my plea for help and have put the hounds through the area…. Without the help of the hunt I would not be able to go on keeping my chickens and many people would miss their weekly supply of tasty eggs. Mrs R Spedding, Sampford Manor, Sampford Spiney
Tavistock Times Local foxes never a problem - WITH reference to the emotive claims that are being bandied about with regard to hunting, I would like to add my own experiences to this matter… The local foxes were never a serious problem and were never controlled by the hunt. It was only when they hunted in surrounding areas and disturbed the neighbouring foxes that I had any serious problems. To say that the hunt controls foxes is utter rubbish. Peter Barnes, 8 Barkers Way, North Tawton (letter in archive)

Burton Mail 26.9.02 Animal rights activists start paedophile smear by TOM BRADSHAW - ANIMAL rights activists have been accused of launching a "false and malicious" leaflet campaign claiming a father-of-two is a paedophile. Leaflets were distributed around Horninglow yesterday claiming that the 33-year-old had been convicted by a Scottish court in 1998 of assaulting a minor. The man, who works at the controversial Darley Oaks farm in Newchurch, said today that animal rights protestors were behind the leaflets. Police say the "cruel and malicious" accusations are totally false…. (story in archive)

Stourbridge News 26.9.02 Go veggie - and help end animal cruelty - Everyone who detests what is happening to animals in Britain's abysmal factory farms and slaughterhouses now has a great opportunity to express their revulsion. We all know that the suffering is indefensible and that there is an urgent need to end it. By supporting Viva!'s first ever national campaign against factory farming you can take an important step towards doing just that…. Name and address supplied (letter in archive)

Cambrian News 26.9.02 The vegans are coming! - VEGANS of the world unite – you have nothing to lose but your chins, writes Daniel Davies. That’s the call from the Dyfi Valley representative of the Vegan Society, who believes that a Vegan lifestyle is the way to reduce obesity and improve the health of the British populace… according to Laurence Main of Dinas Mawddwy, Vegans have often been treated like Monsters from Outer Space… (story in archive)

Exeter Express & Echo 25.9.02 NO EVIDENCE THAT FOXES NEED TO BE CONTROLLED Further to the letter submitted by Mr G Paddon, Points of view, September 11, concerning the protest march by the hunters, I am writing to say that there is no evidence that foxes need to be controlled…. Mrs Frances Wicks, Alphington Road, St Thomas, Exeter (letter)
Exeter Express & Echo 18.9.02 HUNTING HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH PEST CONTROL - Mr G Paddon, Points of view, September 11, suggests that the purpose of hunting with dogs is fox control. This is untrue. Many hunts actually encourage fox breeding by constructing artificial earths in suitable places where they are likely to be found and utilised by pregnant vixens… Hares are virtually extinct in many parts of the UK. They are transported into such areas for hunting and coursing after being trapped in nets in areas where they are more abundant… Rodney Hale, President, British Brown Hare Preservation Society, West Sandford, Crediton (story)

Gloucestershire Echo 25.9.02 HORRORS OF HUNTING STAY SECRET - Madam - I refer to the letter from Pat Bush, who said she was against hunting but, on meeting the huntsmen, found them "welcoming and polite" (Letters, September 20). It seems to have changed her view of hunting… I suggest that if Pat Bush wishes to see the true side of this barbaric practice, she should visit a kill, when a poor exhausted creature is ripped to pieces for the entertainment of those "welcoming and polite people"… John Hewett, Cheltenham (letter)

Western Daily Press 25.9.02 Sir - THE TIMES ARE CHANGING FAST So John Haines believes people opposed to hunting are townies who let their dogs go for a walk round the woods once a week and dump their old mattresses in the countryside, and don't know where their kids are at night… Killing the fox for sport has no place Let them find something else to chase. Millie Pearce Salisbury Wiltshire (letter)
Western Daily Press 18.9.02 HUNTING ISSUE IS BEING JUDGED BY ILL-INFORMED - I neither support hunting or campaign to have it banned. I have been qualified and professionally involved in wildlife and countryside management for 15 years. I am concerned that this thorny subject is being judged by those who are at best ill-informed or totally unsuited to pass judgment on the lives of those who live and work in the countryside. ho are these town folk who sit in judgment?... Perhaps these people should get their own house in order before attempting to take control of the countryside and make it as big a mess as their cities. John Haines, Redhill, Near Bristol… (letter)

Western Daily Press 25.9.02 PUT THE HUNTERS ON A LEASH I was horrified and saddened at the deliberate cruelty meted out to a fox by the Derwent hunt, related by former hunt follower John Cox (September 14)… Drag hunting is the answer to replace blood sports… EA Smith Ashton Bristol (story)
Western Daily Press 19.9.02 SMALL MINORITY AFFECT ALL OF US - Sir - In response to the letter by John Cox, although I support fox hunting, if his story was as barbaric as he claims I would be the first to condemn such actions. Unfortunately it's a fact of life that you are always going to get a small minority that make it bad for the rest, football hooligans being a prime example… those that have followed the debate must have realised by now that a ban isn't going to save the life of a single fox, indeed the likelihood is that even more will be killed…. D Edwards Cheltenham Gloucestershire (letter)
Western Daily Press 14.9.02 MY MEMORIES OF BARBARISM - I am approaching 70, but there was a time many years ago when I was an avid follower of the Derwent Hunt, where much of the land covered, in Yorkshire, was of a very difficult nature… Just below the village of Silpho, after a long run, an exhausted and handsome young fox sought refuge in a craggy bank… One of the huntsmen produced a large meat hook, someone else cut down a long ash pole, a leather rein was attached to the meat hook and these were then tied to the ash pole…. The vivid memory of what followed still sickens me, even after 55 years…. I've been a country-lad all of my life and know that we don't need fox-hunting with dogs… John Cox Address supplied (letter)

Western Daily Press 25.9.02 HOOLIGANS OF COUNTRY LIFE - The effort to which the blood sports enthusiasts go in order to make themselves seem more acceptable to society would be hilarious were it not for the fact that our wild animals are persecuted and cruelly killed merely to satisfy their craving for blood…. Be honest for a change, you hunting crowd; stop trying to ally your cause with other more noble ones and stop hiding behind phrases such as Liberty and Livelihood and Countryside Alliance…. S J Harding Wellington Somerset (story)

Cambridge News 25.9.02 Fox hunting is not cruel - From Robert Billingham, Chatteris - Once and for all, fox hunting is not the cruel sport the ignorant claim it to be. A fox hunt is a very colourful countryside social event. It gives work to many who love dogs and horses. In an average hunt, the fox is seldom caught, being wiley and cunning… (letter)

Shropshire Star 25.9.02 Shooting is best way to cull foxes - Recent reports in the Shropshire Star regarding farmers rushing to arm themselves with high-powered rifles for fox control in the light of a hunting ban, are sadly missing the facts… Reading between the lines, the hunting fraternities are a little biased towards this fact. They are pressing the panic button to protect their livelihoods. I myself have mixed feelings about fox hunting but I don't support a ban. JH Walton, Donnington Wood (letter in archive)

Shropshire Star 25.9.02 Hunting? No need to debate it - There was/is no need for a debate on fox hunting with dogs at all. Anyone who really believes that this is not cruel, clearly has a brain defect… Phillip Sykes, Stanton Near Shrewsbury (letter in archive)

Scotsman 25.9.02 Reading Neil McKinnon’s letter (23 September), I was amaz-ed that anyone from Perth could make the assertion that most of the meat on city supermarket shelves comes from factory farmed animals…. Having never eaten fox, I do not understand the logic of his reasoning that only vegetarians have the right to criticise hunting. To quote Oscar Wilde… JOHN R MURDOCH, Murthly, Perthshire (letter)

Derby Evening Telegraph 25.9.02 THERE IS A MORE HUMANE WAY - I felt I must write concerning your double page spread, Burning issues of rural life (September 17). I thought newspapers were supposed to be unbiased, but the heading in one section, No finer sight in England than the hunt on Kedleston estate, did nothing but glorify hunting… The League Against Cruel Sports is not a group of trouble makers but just ordinary people like myself who think there is a more humane way to deal with foxes…. Mrs E.G. Adams, Ripon Crescent, Chaddesden (story)

Hull Daily Mail 25.9.02 END THIS EVIL - Amid the support you have been giving to the pro-hunting lobby, the small piece you allowed Kevin McNamara (Mail, September 21) shines like a beacon of principle… Jeremy Wilcock, Local Party Chair, Beverley & Holderness Liberal Democrats, Main Street, Kilnwick. (story)

Manchester Evening News 25.9.02 Poor animals I HAVE noticed that many humans, when recovering from a life-threatening disease like cancer, start raising money for cancer charities which "create" painful and unrealistic cancer growths on animals in laboratories… If any of your readers would like a copy of Health Charities, Helping or Hurting? please ring PETA (People for Ethical Treatment of Animals) on 020 8870 3966 and request a copy. Kay Mawson, Hulme (letter)

CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY RESEARCH LAB CAMPAIGN
Cambridge News 25.9.02 Primate lab not needed - From Dr Pandora Pound, Peasedown St John, Bath - It is very convenient for Mr Nixon to suggest that the public are opposing the development of Cambridge University's proposed primate laboratory on moral grounds. In fact, the majority of protesters are opposing the proposed laboratory on scientific grounds; namely that there is not enough scientific evidence to suggest that animal experiments are necessary for the development of clinical treatments… (letter)
Cambridge News 17.9.02 Morals 'not the issue' in monkey lab inquiry - A HEARING about a planning refusal for a primate laboratory in Cambridge has been told it is not a moral issue. At a pre-planning inquiry hearing yesterday, chartered town planner Stuart Nixon, appointed by Secretary of State John Prescott to conduct the proceedings, established that more than a dozen witnesses could be called to put the case for the two main parties, Cambridge University and the local authority. Representations will also be heard from a number of other parties, including animal rights groups, Cambridgeshire Constabulary, local residents and the Highways Agency… (story)
Cambridge News 2.8.02 Prescott to rule on fate of controversial monkey lab - DEPUTY Prime Minister John Prescott will personally decide the fate of the controversial primate research centre in Cambridge… Joan Court, of X-SCAPE (Cambridge Against Primate Experiments), said: "We are deeply concerned about his decision and feel it is unwarranted interference from central government."… (story)
Cambridge News 8.6.02 Stay out of laboratory decision, Prescott told … The British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection (BUAV) has written to Mr Prescott, newly responsible for local government, to express its concerns… Wendy Higgins, the BUAV's campaigns director, said: "The Government has long since declared its support for vivisection but this is about obeying the law… X-CAPE (Cambridge Against Primate Experiments) will stage a peaceful protest in Huntingdon Road, Girton… There will be speakers from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals and Animal Aid at the demonstration, which starts at noon on Saturday, June 22. (story in archive)
Cambridge News 24.5.02 Criticism over PM's support for monkey lab - TONY Blair has been accused of making a mockery of the planning process after he publicly backed an application for a Cambridge monkey lab… John Reynolds, chairman of Cambridgeshire Police Authority and a Cambridgeshire county councillor, said: "The university has made an appeal. The inspector has to hear the evidence and make a report to the Minister (Department for Environment, Transport and the Regions). Is the inspector being told what to do by the Prime Minster?"… (story in archive)
Times 24.5.02 Protests blamed for killing off laboratory BY MARK HENDERSON - ONE of the most significant British science projects that has been jeopardised by protest is a neuroscience centre planned by Cambridge University to investigate cures for diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s… (story)
Cambridge News 9.5.02 Councillor wants lab inquiry to be public …John Reynolds, county councillor for Girton and police authority chairman, is calling for the inquiry to be carried out in public. He said he was shocked to learn the university had launched an appeal after councillors kicked out the plans in February when the police warned they could not guarantee public safety during protests by animal rights groups… (story in archive)
Cambridge News 8.5.02 Appeal over animal lab plan - CAMBRIDGE University today launched an appeal against the decision to block its controversial animal laboratory plans… Joan Court, spokeswoman for Animal Rights Cambridge, said: "We are not suprised. The university was not likely to take a snub like that lying down…" (story in archive)
Times 9.2.02 Pensioner thwarts animal tests BY GLEN OWEN, EDUCATION CORRESPONDENT - JOAN COURT, 82, does not look like a battle-hardened animal rights activist. But she is at the centre of allegations that threats of violence and intimidation have been used to halt pioneering research at Cambridge University. Ms Court, the founder of X-CAPE (Cambridge Against Primate Experiments) has lobbied against a proposed £24 million centre that would use monkeys for research into brain diseases. This week she claimed victory after local councillors rejected the plans, citing threats to public order... (story)
Telegraph 9.2.02 Brave decision ... South Cambridgeshire District Council to reject Cambridge University's application to build a laboratory that would conduct experiments on animals as part of its research (report, Feb. 7) was a remarkably brave move and the council's action is to be applauded... (Byron Grainger-Jones, Godalming, Surrey) (letter)
Guardian 7.2.02 Protest fears halt animal research plan - James Meek, science correspondent - Animal rights activists were jubilant last night after fear of mass protests caused a local council to throw out Cambridge University's plan to build a new primate experimentation laboratory... Members of the council's planning committee voted 17 to four, with one abstention, to follow the advice of police and lawyers and refuse the application "on public safety grounds"... "We are delighted that, for whatever reason it's been turned down," said a spokesman for Animal Aid. "It is not simply our right to demonstrate against these things, it is our democratic duty." Wendy Higgins, campaign director of the British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection, said: "I am delighted..." (story)
Independent 7.2.02 Cambridge research centre bid thwarted by protest fears By Steve Connor, Science Editor - A Cambridge University research centre judged to be of national importance in the study of serious diseases has been refused planning permission because of police fears over animal rights protests... (story)
Telegraph 7.2.02 Fears over protesters scupper monkey lab By Roger Highfield, Science Editor - PLANS for a monkey laboratory to study brain disorders such as autism and Alzheimer's disease were rejected yesterday because of fears over animal rights protests... (story)
Cambridge News 7.2.02 Skills loss warning as monkey lab is blocked - THE University of Cambridge could lose world-class scientists because plans for a monkey-testing laboratory have been blocked, its Pro-Vice-Chancellor has warned. (story in archive)
Cambridge News 5.2.02 Protesters hope for lab plan rejection - ANIMAL rights protesters have welcomed a recommendation by planning officers that a controversial proposal for a primate-testing laboratory in Cambridge should be thrown out... quote from Joan Court, of X-Cape (Cambridge Against Primate Experiments) (story in archive)
Cambridge News 2.2.02 Animal lab fear - PLANS for a primate-testing laboratory in Cambridge look set to be thrown out because police fear the site could become a magnet for animal rights activists... Cambridgeshire's Chief Constable Ben Gunn sent letters to the council warning of the public safety threat if the plans go ahead. He said a "serious risk of harm to road users" could result from demonstrations at the site... (story in archive)
Cambridge News 5.11.01 Minister backs plan for monkey test lab... SCIENCE Minister Lord Sainsbury has risked the wrath of environmental and animal rights campaigners by supporting plans for a monkey testing laboratory in Cambridgeshire.... quote from Joan Court, spokeswoman for X-cape, Cambridge-based animal rights organisation (story available in archive)

Daily Post 25.9.02 Torture is their sport David Charters Reports - YOUNG Morenito the bull was bred to be brave, so that his last minutes on Earth would make a grand spectacle. But he didn't know that, how could he, grazing and snorting in his field with the other bulls?... the mob was mad. Among them was Matilda Mench who felt she was almost inside the bull's spirit as he entered these last moments of life. Her hands were trembling on the video camera and her green eyes were blurred. She felt sick with grief and anger. Yet she knew she must go on filming, so the world could see what the people of this town had done to Morenito in celebration of some forgotten virgin from the Christian faith… Tony Moore, Matilda's boyfriend, who was taking still photographs, noticed how much smaller the bull looked slumped on the ground with the life passing from his body…. In the coming weeks politicians from Spain, Germany, Britain and the European Parliament will see the photographs and films taken by Matilda, Tony and their friend Billy Johnson…. Tony's wife Vikki spent much of her adult life campaigning against blood sports. She died in February, 2000, from a massive haemorrhage, almost certainly the result of being gored by a bull five years earlier… (story)

Times 24.9.02 Pro-hunt activists plan disruption at Labour conference BY VALERIE ELLIOTT, COUNTRYSIDE EDITOR HUNT activists are planning “flurries of disruption” to inconvenience ministers and MPs attending next week’s Labour Party conference in Blackpool… Edward Duke, a former alliance chief executive who has been acting as spokesman for the RCA, said: “There is a minority out there who will not accept an outright ban…" Janet George, spokeswoman for Countryside Action Network, confirmed that there were discussions about protesting at Labour’s conference. “We won’t be doing anything major. There is no point declaring World War Three unless there is something to declare war over.” Richard Morley, a joint master of the Belvoir Hunt, which includes parts of Leicestershire, Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire, said: “The reaction we got from the Government shows they are not taking any notice of us and so they will have to be made to take notice.”… (story)

Gloucester Citizen 24.9.02 THINK AGAIN ON JOINING ALLIANCE - It was interesting and enlightening to read in a recent report at a hearing into the future of hunting, that people who were cruel to animals were more likely to harm other humans and could go on to become child abusers, rapists and torturers…. If you are a decent person considering joining the Countryside Alliance, please reconsider. Do you really wish to be counted along with those who are truly on the lunatic fringe of society? JULIAN BROWN, Hanover Lodge, Hunters Way, Stroud (letter) p>Gloucester Citizen 24.9.02 MADNESS OVER BLOCKADE PLANS - The news that local farmers are to step up the blockade of food (September 18) looks like self-induced madness… Many farmers further alienate potential supporters by allowing their cause to be captured and subverted by the fox-hunting lobby when it is clear that the majority of people find hunting as uncivilised as bear-baiting and cockfighting. KEITH WALDON, Wheatway, Abbeydale, Gloucester (letter)

Scotsman 24.9.02 Culling If the main aim of the Countryside Alliance is to improve conditions in the countryside, more power to it. If, however, its main aim is to protect fox hunting, a sport where people with too much time and too much money satisfy their need for the blood of the weaker, it should be condemned… Patricia Jones TORONTO, CANADA
Slaughter It is amusing, is it not, that so many of the British can go to such extremes about 43,000 foxes killed by hounds, and do nothing about the millions of cattle, sheep and poultry slaughtered, and allowed slowly to bleed to death while fully conscious, by fellow humans. Sandy Corbett ANTWERP, BELGIUM
Abdication It seems we are now faced with a second abdication in less than a century. One over a foxy lady, the second over a fox. A Kemp ROSYTH, FIFE (letters)

Worcester Evening News 24.9.02 Real priority of the Alliance - I HAVE never thought that the liberty argument for justifying hunting with dogs was one that would win the day…. There's nothing wrong with a single-issue campaign if there is a case to be articulated, but there is something not quite credible about "band-wagoning" for wider support when a wider support for the original issue is not authentic… WENDY HANDS, Upton-upon-Severn (letter in archive)

Worcester Evening News 24.9.02 It's a pity the fox does not have a say - I DO not hunt myself, but do meet many country people at local point-to-points and harness race meetings. Contrary to C Boulton's reference to "bloodthirsty mobs", I have found that many hunt supporters are fair-minded individuals who just want to continue an activity that has gone on for hundreds of years… It is a pity that Mr and Mrs Fox do not have a say in the outcome, as I am sure that they would vote for a continuation of the present system, in preference to the wholesale slaughter of their species… LES RUSSELL, Worcester. (letter in archive)
Worcester Evening News 16.9.02 Let's face the facts that hunting is cruel - I MUST reply to the never-ending rambling of Tim Pinney and John Burgess who constantly try to defend their bloodthirsty sport of hunting… Some hunters have said that if hunting was banned then they would continue to hunt and break the law. I would be glad to help enforce the law and ensure this bloodthirsty mob no longer terrorises defenceless animals. C BOULTON, Evesham (letter in archive)

Western Morning News 24.9.02 FORCED HUNTING BAN WOULD BE UNLAWFUL - Leaving aside the near certainty that far from expanding, the fox population would be decimated by other crueller means in the event of a hunting ban, it has been intimated that the Government may, if it wishes, enforce legislation by invoking the Parliament Acts. Neither the 1911 nor the 1949 Parliament Act was intended to force primary legislation on to the Statute Book without the settled will of Parliament and people just to satisfy political prejudice… We believe this would contravene the Bill of Rights, and probably exceed the powers of Parliament and the Parliament Acts. A ban would thus be unlawful. My colleagues and I shall shortly be putting these matters to the test if the course of our forthcoming challenge in the courts on the limits of government power… Five thousand people have so far contributed £150,000. It's an excellent start, but we shall need much more. Leaflets from and cheques to Constitutional Challenge, This England, Cheltenham, Glos GL50 1YQ. The Meldrew Club is right behind us!... John Gouriet, Bicknoller Taunton (letter)

Western Morning News 24.9.02 Wrong words - BARONESS Mallalieu speaks of the prospect of the Government forcing a Bill to ban hunting, through Parliament by use of the Parliament Act (WMN, September 12)… The Commons may vote to prevent application of the Act, but no action is required to be taken by the Government or Members of Parliament for it to be effective…. John Phelps, Exeter (letter)

Western Morning News 24.9.02 Balaclavas out - REGARDING the letter "Bluster of huntsmen", Theo Hopkins obviously feels strongly about something, I'm not certain about what exactly…. I fully realise that all hunt saboteurs love to be in the thick of things and during one meet were even seen to be hitting horses with staves…. Roy Williams, Callington (story)

Western Morning News 24.9.02 BARBAROUS ACTIVITY SEEMS LIKE ADDICTION FOR SOME - The findings of the poll saying that a substantial proportion of hunters will defy the impending ban on their "sport" (WMN, September 5) comes as no surprise… Violence against anti-hunt campaigners, both saboteurs and monitors, is commonplace… Alan Kirby, Phillack, Hayle (letter)

Western Morning News 24.9.02 HORROR OF THE DAY I WENT OUT WITH THE FOX-SHOOTERS - Watching Country File on BBC 1, I could not believe what I was hearing and seeing, when the man from the League Against Cruel Sports said they were all in favour of flushing out foxes from cover and shooting them. It just goes to prove these persons have never seen any of these things done that they talk about. Some years ago I was invited by a fox gun club to join them for an afternoon shoot near St Clears in West Wales… I have never seen such cruelty in all my life, and hope I never will. If the League members think this is the way to control foxes, they should leave the "Against" out and call themselves the League for Cruel Sports. R Hearn, Ottery St Mary (letter)

LEICESTER CITY PROTEST 23.8.02
Leicester Mercury 24.9.02 MORE THAN BLOODSPORTS IN THE COUNTRYSIDE - So Ashley Wood (Postbag, Sept 11) was "considerably moved by the tremendous support" that the Countryside Alliance march through Leicester supposedly got. Judging by the account in the Mercury, on the television and from a friend who lives on London Road, the march actually met deafening silence, apart from a few relatives of the riders who had visited Leicester for the day to boost numbers…. Ms Kerry A Bodycote, Melton Mowbray (letter)
Tamworth Herald 12.9.02 ATHERSTONE HUNT IS ON THE MARCH … The 70 members of the Atherstone Hunt joined 1,000 other protesters at Leicester Race Course where they took part in a peaceful mounted march… Members and supporters of the Atherstone Hunt will also head down to London for the national Liberty and Livelihood march next month. (story)
Leicester Mercury 12.9.02 WHAT IS WRONG WITH DRAG HUNTING? - The pro-hunt protesters caused absolute chaos to the roads recently. I was stuck in traffic, my journey of 20 minutes took me over one hour. All this so these so-called countryside lovers, can follow a fox till exhaustion then watch it ripped to bits… T Callaghan, Evington. (letter)
Leicester Mercury 12.9.02 'NOISY BRAYING INTOLERANT FEW' - So Ken Orrill (Postbag, Aug 29) nails his socio-political colours to the mast! If he had been present on the famous and moving occasion, of the pro-hunting alliance demonstration and if he had opened his eyes and looked around, he would have seen that lining the length of London Road were hundreds and hundreds - perhaps a couple of thousand - cheering and waving residents…. David Davidson, Osgathorpe (letter)
Leicester Mercury 11.9.02 SAME MARCH? - Was D Barker (Postbag, Aug 31) really at the same Countryside Alliance march as the rest of us? I was there and was considerably moved by the tremendous support we received on our journey from Leicester Racecourse to Victoria Park and back…. Ashley Wood, Blaby (letter)
Leicester Mercury 6.9.02 A WORKING DOG'S LIFE - With regard to K Beeson's letter (Postbag, August 22), I feel I must comment on its narrow vision and ignorance… What does K Beeson think happens to the many thousands of other working dogs - for example with the armed forces, police and security companies - when they have reached the end of their working life?... What is better to spend eight years - longer than a dog in the wild would expect to live - pursuing natural instincts, or 10 to 12 years locked in a kitchen, then taken for a quarter-mile walk, if it is lucky, round the block on a lead?.. K Maile, Countesthorpe (letter)
Leicester Mercury 6.9.02 DEMONSTRATION OF SELFISHNESS - Until recently, I have been "neutral" in the controversy over hunting with hounds. In fact, I have looked at this so-called sport as a very picturesque and very English traditional pastime. Not any more. The choice of a demonstration on the Friday before the bank holiday, bringing nothing but traffic chaos to the main thoroughfares of the city, show these people up for what they are: A lot of selfish, stupid, snobbish and anti-social louts… Mr Mortimer, Leicester (letter)
Leicester Mercury 5.9.02 ROAD CLOSURE WAS FOR PUBLIC'S SAFETY - I refer to Ken Orrill's letter (Postbag, August 29) concerning the decision to shut roads for the Countryside Alliance demonstration… The decision to close London Road while the Countryside Alliance procession took place was taken solely on grounds of public safety…. Charles Poole, Service Director (Democratic Services), Leicester City Council (letter)
Leicester Mercury 4.9.02 RURAL FOX IN PERIL OF GUN - In reply to the letter in the Leicester Mercury on Tuesday, August 27, signed "name and address withheld", I went to London Road to see the demonstration organised by the Countryside Alliance. I must say that more than 1,000 horses and riders was an amazing sight and one I shall never see again, I'm sure. I understand that each rider paid £10 for the privilege of joining. This was towards the cost of the policing (mounted police and police cyclists) and the clean-up afterwards…. I shut all my chickens up at night so the fox came in the day. If shooting occurs instead of fox hunting, there won't be any foxes to worry about, because every one flushed out will be shot, so they could become extinct in the countryside and we'll be left with urban foxes. Sheila Knott, Scraptoft (letter)
Leicester Mercury 4.9.02 UNBEARABLE STENCH - As I have to pay a fixed standard fine when I don't 'pick up' my dog's mess within the bounds of Leicester city, I am wondering why the Liberty and Livelihood pro-hunt horse brigade were allowed to foul the roadways and pathways of Knighton with apparent impunity. The stench in Victoria Park and London Road last Saturday was unbearable. R e Thomas, M Thomas, L N Thomas, D B Thomas, Knighton, Leicester (letter)
Leicester Mercury 4.9.02 MIND NOW MADE UP - Before the pro-hunting march, I was not particularly for or against the hunt, but was furious that a main road was closed for these selfish people. I was unable to catch my usual bus to work and had to walk past the foul-smelling manure that the horses left behind. It made me sick… Alan Roberts, Leicester (letter)
Leicester Mercury 4.9.02 HUNDREDS OPPOSED CRUELTY TO ANIMALS - As a group that campaigns against animal cruelty, we had stalls in and around Leicester and leafleted as many people as we could to make them aware of the cruelty of hunting, such as fox and stag hunting, and hare coursing…. Pam Jirku, Loughborough and Leicester Animal Concern (letter)
Leicester Mercury 31.8.02 REAL 'ENEMY WITHIN' - So the people who derive pleasure from tormenting animals, masquerading as the Countryside Alliance, can bring the city to a standstill… D Barker, Oadby (letter)
Leicester Mercury 29.8.02 MOUNTED MARCH WAS A NECESSITY - May I reassure Mr Dennis Roe on two points: Firstly, the horses in the Mounted March up London Road and around Victoria Park kept to the tarmac. No damage was inflicted on the grass. Secondly, the event was self-financing. A donation to the city council funded all the emergency services needed… Our liberty and livelihood is being eroded by this Government. Hence the need for 1,033 horsemen to come to town to illustrate the huge numbers of people and animals that would be affected by the proposed Bill to ban hunting with dogs. Val Anderson, Old Dalby (letter)
Leicester Mercury 29.8.02 LEADERS SWAYED BY PRIVILEGED MINORITY The decision by Leicester City Council to shut two major roads to allow the pro-hunting alliance to hold a demonstration against the fox hunting bill is outrageous and flies in the face of public opinion. In doing so, this council shows just where it stands. It is not with its electorate, but with a very small, highly privileged minority that is able to exercise a disproportionate influence where it matters…. Ken Orrill, Leicester (letter)
Lincolnshire Echo 24.8.02 GUNS, STREET VIOLENCE AND DRUGS? MEET THE US RAPPER WHO SINGS ABOUT HUNTING... An AMERICAN rap artist has joined the Lincolnshire pro-hunt lobby after a chance meeting with a county farmer. Samuel Samson Joffre Payne is a 27-year-old rapper from the streets of Washington DC, and is known to his fans as the President because of his politically-motivated lyrics… Yesterday, the President accompanied Mr Barclay on another pro-hunt demonstration, which saw over 1,000 horses and riders flood the streets of Leicester. He accompanied Mr Barclay home to Lincolnshire and told the Echo: "I have been inspired by James Barclay and men like him who feel very strongly about what they believe in…" Master of the South Wold Hunt James Barclay (right) gets down with master of the rap, the President aka Samuel Payne. (story)
Telegraph 24.8.02 1,200 riders bring hunt protest into city centre By Nick Britten …,200 horses - more than in the Charge of the Light Brigade - formed a two and a half mile procession in protest at the proposed ban on foxhunting. As a warm-up to next month's Liberty and Livelihood march in London, yesterday's protest, said to be the biggest march with animals to be held in Britain, was considered a great success by the organisers… One of the highlights was the appearance of the new unlikely champion of the Countryside Alliance, a black American rap artist called the President… quotes from Karen Catto, a 29-year-old administrator and a member of the Fitzwilliam Hunt, Annelies Van Wyjk, 24, a member of the South Wold Hunt, Miles Cooper, a former senior member of the League Against Cruel Sports (story)
Western Daily Press 24.8.02 HUNDREDS SADDLE UP IN PROTEST More than 1,000 horses were yesterday ridden through a city's streets in one of the biggest demonstrations involving animals in recent years… (story)
Leicester Mercury 23.8.02 HUNT SUPPORTERS HOLD HUGE PROTEST IN CITY BY DARREN BECK - Hundreds of campaigners rode horses through Leicester today in protest at a possible ban on hunting. At least 800 riders made their way from Oadby racecourse to Victoria Park… Hammond Smith, of London Road, said he was furious he could not get out of his driveway because of the protest… David Manning, joint master of Cottesmore hunt, near Oakham, said it was a peacefulprotest against the Government's countryside policies… James Cretney, of the National Equine Welfare Council, said the march had been a success… Anti-hunt protester Karen Fletcher said: "It's outrageous they can come through a city like this to promote bloodsports."… (story)
Ananova 23.8.02 Over 1,000 horses join pro-hunt protest - More than 1,000 horses have been ridden through Leicester in what is thought to be one of the biggest demonstrations involving animals in recent years. The pro-hunt protest by the Countryside Alliance saw the group march in a never-ending line through Leicester… (story)
Leicester Mercury 22.8.02 COMMUNITY DISRUPTION WAS ENOUGH FOR ARRESTS - I note that the police have decided to close some of the city's streets in order to facilitate the 500 horse protest by the fox hunting minority of whom the majority, if not all of them, are not residents of the city itself. Funny this, two years ago when faced with a go slow protest by HGV vehicles over the price of fuel, the police threatened to arrest those drivers who were planning to drive slowly. Also back in 1984 and the miners' strike, the police were only too keen to arrest anybody … Rob Roweth, Botcheston. (story)
Leicester Mercury 22.8.02 THEIR END - Pro-hunt members - don't bother trying to invoke sympathy by parading hounds to highlight their mass destruction, should fox hunting be banned. Even us ignorant townies know that after a few short years, their usefulness spent, these young healthy dogs are destroyed…. K Beeson, Loughborough. (letter)
Leicester Mercury 22.8.02 HUNTING AN ACTIVITY TO BE PROUD OF - I think it is great that so many people want to turn out with their horses to support hunting in Leicestershire… I also take issue with an item of news that you published last week about the rally of working dogs in Loughborough. According to the police there were 14 vociferous "anti's" trying to disrupt a carefully organised and officially-sanctioned event for perhaps 750 people and their dogs…. David Davidson, Osgathorpe.(letter)
Leicester Mercury 21.8.02 OPPOSITION MUSTERED FOR PRO-HUNTING RALLY BY AMRIN KHAN - Anti-hunt demonstrators are planning a counter protest against pro-hunting supporters in Leicester… Supporters from Loughborough and Leicester Animal Concern are joining forces with the National Anti-Hunt Campaign, the League Against Cruel Sports and the Hunt Saboteurs Association to oppose the march… quotes from Pam Jirku, John Green, of Knighton (story)
Leicester Mercury 17.8.02 STRANGE GESTURE OF 'FRIENDSHIP' - I read about the proposed protest by 500 horses… It is the owners and riders of the poor beasts who will subject their sensitive mounts to a prolonged period of stress in unnatural surroundings, regardless of whether it be lashing down with rain or roasting with sweltering heat… The spokesman of the protest says… the protest is a gesture of friendship to Leicester. A strange gesture that blocks up a main entry road to the city, preventing working people going about their business… to make it authentic some of the younger riders should have their faces smeared with fox blood… I don't hold strong views on fox hunting, but I think there is no justification for a horseback protest into a city on a weekday. I don't think that a protest against a legitimate Government bill should be allowed to disrupt the life of a city, especially for a prolonged period. A Miller, Leicester. (letter)
Derby Evening Telegraph 16.8.02 CAMPAIGN TO TAKE TO THE ROADS Hundreds of horse riders from Derbyshire are expected to join a pro-hunting rally in the streets of Leicester next week… Supporters of the