UK voters prefer conciliation to strife.
Hunting wildlife for recreation, with packs of hounds, was imposed here by French conquerors after 1066 and has always caused strife between pro and anti hunters.
There has been violence and, tragically, even deaths. The Hunting Act 2004 offered hope that this conflict could be ended.
Hunting was allowed much as before, but hounds were forced to hunt humane alternatives to live quarry.
Hounds could meet, supporters could dress up in finery and cross-country gallops could continue. Only the kill was absent. It seemed the perfect compromise. Not a ban on hounds, horses or hunting, but a ban on killing for fun.
A ban founded in compassion not class.
With cruelty removed increasing numbers have taken to hunting. But the compromise has proved fragile.
In the privacy of the countryside hunters can do as they like and some have flouted the new law.
Now politicians with wisdom and compassion are needed to advance the process. Amendments to the Hunting Act to help our police keep hunting legal are needed. This would benefit most who hunt and all country dwellers. Repealing the Act, as the Conservatives plan, would be a disaster.
M J Huskisson Address supplied
