Hunt enthusiasts brave the cold to show their support for a Christmas tradition
Hunt supporters were out in force across the Westcountry yesterday for their traditional post-Christmas meets.
Several Boxing Day hunts – which are held on the Monday if Boxing Day falls on a Sunday – had to be called off because of the snow and ice, although the weather failed to deplete spirits with many meeting on foot instead.
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Dartmoor Hunt on Christmas Monday after Boxing Day at South Brent Square, led by Master of the Hunt Michael Weir
Mike Hext, 43, joint master of the East Devon Hunt, said he could not remember the Boxing Day event being cancelled before. Nevertheless, a crowd of about 80 people turned up at Woodbury Castle to support the hunt.
He said: "It's disappointing to not go out. We hunt two days a week – although we haven't for nearly two weeks because of the conditions – but the Boxing Day event is special because it's a tradition that's been going for 120 years. But the safety of the followers, staff and hounds is paramount."
Hunt supporters are still waiting for Prime Minister David Cameron to honour a pre-election pledge for a free vote on repealing the ban which was brought in 2005.
In Cornwall, hardy huntsmen and women braved the conditions to ride out from Carn Brea, near Redruth.
"Inevitably there were not so many riders as normal because of the recent weather, but there was a hell of a good turn out of people on foot, as always," hunt chairman Jim Pascoe said.
"It is only a matter of time until the Government feels it is appropriate to address the ban again. It is a case of being patient and waiting. All the details have been worked out for a hunting regulatory authority to ensure everything is as it should be. It is about having something that is acceptable to everybody."
5 Comments
by David, Plymouth
Wednesday, December 29 2010, 1:21PM
“some are not happy unless amusing themselves with the targeting and hunting down of the defenseless , it is a matter of education and breeding , I blame the parents .”
by Desmond, Cornwall
Wednesday, December 29 2010, 12:28PM
“"Why do hunters like 'Desmond' always come out with the same nonsense arguments? They just embarrass themselves and appear as either lying or just uneducated".
I can assure David that I resent being called a Hunter, as I have never been associated with hunting, and never will be - indeed, quite to the contrary. From an educational point of view I have two higher level degrees and my comments were based on independent research, not some mindless 'closed mind, or Toff bashing comments'. I am well known, locally, for my care, support and interests in the welfare of wildlife in general, and, following in depth research have written a number of successful books on the subject. The conclusions I came too were based on in-depth research and considerable observation - what does David base his findings on?”
by David, London
Wednesday, December 29 2010, 10:13AM
“Why do hunters like 'Desmond' always come out with the same nonsense arguments? They just embarrass themselves and appear as either lying or just uneducated.
Where their argument falls flat on its face is the obvious fact that hunting with hounds was in addition, and not instead of, alternative methods! It was just an excuse for the minority to sadistically slaughter animals.”
by David Wainwright, Plymouth
Wednesday, December 29 2010, 9:21AM
“"The unspeakable in pursuit of the inedible"
Oscar Wilde”
by Desmond, Cornwall
Tuesday, December 28 2010, 11:22AM
“I have never ridden too hounds, or been involved with any hunt group. Indeed, I am known for my care and support of wildlife in general. It may be surprising therefore to accept I support hunting with hounds, providing the excesses, such as 'cubbing' remain illegal.
The alternative methods of Fox control - shooting etc, have caused more suffering than hunting ever did.
Hunting with hounds replaces, 'the natural predator' resulting in the 'survival of the fittest', which is surely the best, and logical, option available?! I would support the lifting of the ban.”