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Fox hunting ban - dawn (28th May 2015 - 17:06:12) Damian Hinds will be voting to repeal the law which bans fox hunting. Saying that because he doesn't like the drafting of the current law… bla bla bla.. In which case AMEND IT don't repeal it. What are your views on this? In a 'Free' vote; should an MP vote according to his constituents wishes or what the 'boss' wants?

Re: Fox hunting ban - Ian (28th May 2015 - 17:31:26) Fox culls YES, they are a menace unless controlled. Bunch of kn*** riding around the countryside on horseback killing for fun, NO

Re: Fox hunting ban - A. Ryan (28th May 2015 - 18:31:50) It is a vile past time, and a lifting of a ban should not be considered.

Re: Fox hunting ban - D (28th May 2015 - 18:34:01) Don't understand the fuss. Foxes are vermin. Surely our MP has more important matters to worry about.

Re: Fox hunting ban - wolfie smith (28th May 2015 - 20:22:19) Disgraceful. The country has been brought to its knees, i\'m working with people who have to leave early to go to a food bank as they haven\'t got enough to eat, no one has been convicted from any bank for the financial crisis and our local tory mp wants to bring back fox hunting. The tories are all about the tories.

Re: Fox hunting ban - Katie (28th May 2015 - 20:40:30) Absolutely agree that they should be focusing on much more important issues. Foxes need to be culled but fox hunting is barbaric.

Re: Fox hunting ban - Diane (28th May 2015 - 22:13:42) Fox's do not need to be culled . They do not need to be hunted for sport . They are not Vermin. Our MP should consult his voters but perhaps he has, most conserrvatives I guess will suport Hunting of wild animals for sport. I agree there are much more important things to be spending their time on but the Countryside Alliance and other rich supporters want pay back time now

Re: Fox hunting ban - Harry (29th May 2015 - 18:02:51) Perhaps if you had your chicken and lambs attacked by foxes and it hit your finances then you would vote to allow fox hunting

Re: Fox hunting ban - Debbie (29th May 2015 - 22:23:20) I think the majority of people would understand a fox being delt with if it was killing chickens and lambs but humanely killing a fox and hunting it for sport are two completely different things.

Re: Fox hunting ban - A. Ryan (30th May 2015 - 12:04:00) All foxes will kill chickens given the chance. I have kept chickens for years and have lost my fair share. Every time it has been my fault. At times I have not shut them up or have not noticed a hole in the fencing etc. You have to make it fox proof. I still like foxes. They do not need to be culled as there is already something that wipes most of them out, it's called a car. It seems such a pity that the rural community does not seem happy unless it is disposing our wildlife. Everything seems to be persecuted. Do we really want to live in a world where the wild animal has gone and the only animals left are for food? As for sheep, I have worked in a livery yard that kept sheep, and the only thing I ever saw kill them was a dog, and that was a horrendous site I can assure you. I had cat for seventeen years that regularly came into contact with foxes, never a problem. There will always be some that will big up the behaviour of foxes to justify killing them.

Re: Fox hunting ban - IS (30th May 2015 - 15:07:14) Not a supporter of fox hunting but find it really annoying when townies in particular move to the country and think they know best when it comes to wildlife management. They would have us all treating foxy loxey like some under appreciated family pet rather than the vermin that it is.

Re: Fox hunting ban - Rob (30th May 2015 - 22:49:02) The fox is a nasty piece of work. Murderous vermin. They need to be controlled, we are the top predator in the eco system, since there are no longer bears or wolves in this country, therefore it is up to us to control them. Hunts actually rarely kill foxes, what they do is to spread them around, stopping any large concentrations of foxes. It is much more survival of the fittest too, young, clever healthy ones get away, the old and infirm don't. That's how nature (real nature) actually works. Walt Disney and Beatrix Potter have a lot to answer for. Animals are not human, they do not have human feelings and emotions, stop trying to put them on them. Hunting is far less unpleasant than trapping or poisoning, do you know how good you have to be to hit a fox with a rifle and kill it at any sort of range (and you won't get close)? Anyway nothing to worry your little heads about, there aren't any hunts near here as far as I'm aware.

Re: Fox hunting ban - Diane (31st May 2015 - 18:10:06) FOX's ARE NOT VERMIN look it up in the dictionary. one of the meanings is UNPLEASANT PEOPLE. Could you please explain Rob why there is the need to kill Fox's. They dont kill cattle,pigs, sheep, maybe carry off a few dead lambs in the short lambing season.chickens if they are not properly protected,( not the Fox's fault )and as far as I know they dont trash crops. Hunting is purely to give some people a thrill of chasing and killing a defenceless animal. The odds are not good one fox against 25 or so killers on horses and a pack of dogs not to mention the men who go round stopping up badger sets and fox holes so the dont escape down them and then put dogs down holes to flush them out should they find one. What about the training of dogs to hunt fox's well they use fox cubs its called cub hunting not much known about this in the public domain

Re: Fox hunting ban - S (31st May 2015 - 19:02:45) Still waiting for someone to back up their 'facts' with evidence; by which I don't mean a daily mail article about someone's garlic bread etc. being mauled by a fox. Impressive amount of ignorance and emotive language going on around here.

Re: Fox hunting ban - Lily (31st May 2015 - 19:08:42) Well said Diane. Cameron and co make me sick. Fox hunting is for Tory toffs, for their enjoyment.

Re: Fox hunting ban - Basil Brush (1st Jun 2015 - 05:51:46) A lot of nonsense about having to put whole packs of hunting dogs down owing to the ban was spouted by the hunting fraternity. That never happened of course. I think the Tories should concentrate on more immediate and important issues which definitely does not include making decisions that are popular with a few materially wealthy landowners.

Re: Fox hunting ban - Dawn Hoskins (1st Jun 2015 - 12:18:17) The quote from David Cameron when he spoke about hunting with dogs did not mention the welfare of animals - deer, hare or fox or the small creatures that many say are killed by foxes. What he said he was supporting was the SPORT of country folk who have had their right to chase & rip animals apart in a bloody frenzy taken away from them. It is not about caring about the countryside or the animals within it, it is about the landowners who have a lot of influence at the top - who have had their 'jolly' taken away. They have managed to chew the ear of the PM and he obviously needs their donations! His quote is below: “I have always been a strong supporter of country sports," he wrote. "It is my firm belief that people should have the freedom to hunt, so I share the frustration that many people feel about the Hunting Act and the way it was brought in by the last government."

Re: Fox hunting ban - Diane (2nd Jun 2015 - 17:48:53) According to The Countryside AllianceThere are 45,000 hunt members who can influence hundreds and thousands of people. I seem to remember that at the time of the Ban the hunt people were back peddling madly on the fact it was a sport It now seems that Mr Cameron has confirmed it is a sport. Our usually good MP has allways supported the sport of hunting because it is a country sport. There are fairly local hunts, try the Crawley and Horsham hunt look them up on Wikipedia There is also the Chiddingfold Leconfield and Cowdray Hunt David Cameron hunts with the Heythorp Hunt in Chipping Norton

Re: Fox hunting ban - Barry (3rd Jun 2015 - 07:13:33) Last night a fox killed our peacock it's days are now numbered.

Re: Fox hunting ban - tony (3rd Jun 2015 - 09:45:48) Barry, really sorry to hear a fox killed your peacock, but he was just doing what comes naturally. But revenge? A fox will only kill to eat, I think we're one of the only animals that kill for revenge or sport or out of anger, over women, after a few drinks, you name it!. You're top priority initially is probably to look for a flaw in the night shelter, fox will not get in unless there's a hole somewhere or the wire is poor quality and whose fault is that going to be? Unless fox carries a toolkit, probably not his. For all their faults they are not burglars. (that's us again). Good luck.

Re: Fox hunting ban - Julie (3rd Jun 2015 - 21:28:12) Bet he wouldn't be so keen if it was scruffy blokes in scruffy clothes with their mongrel dogs! So long as they dress right atop their thoroughbred horses shouting "tally-ho" he won't mind when their dogs rip anything and everything in sight to shreds.

Re: Fox hunting ban - fowl tempered (4th Jun 2015 - 00:05:40) Foxes do not kill to eat. Once they get in a chicken run they kill in a frenzy. They are not cuddly basil brush type animals with a sense of humour. They kill for the joy of killing. Ask any farmer or poulterer. Non agrarians do not understand the nature of the fox, country people do. That said, I find the idea of hunting them with dogs, preceded by the stirrup cup, distasteful to say the least. Foxes are an agricultural pest and should be controlled humanely by people qualified to do so

Re: Fox hunting ban - A. Ryan (4th Jun 2015 - 11:22:50) So why do you think they kill in a frenzy, it's to shut the hens up ! Of course they kill to eat, what a bizarre thing to say. Not all farmers agree to hounds on their land as the damage they can do can be extensive . Having lived on an agricultural farm in the past I can tell you they were not welcome. I keep chickens and have lived in the countryside all my life and have foxes near me and I still respect the fox.

Re: Fox hunting ban - liz (4th Jun 2015 - 11:35:14) As any true country person knows foxes do not kill for fun. They kill more than they need out of instinct to store for later. Its known as caching. The fox does not appreciate that it is someone's hen house (or game birds bred for shooting) which if is not 'allowed' to touch. If we want to rear birds we should keep them secure not blame the fox.

Re: Fox hunting ban - Bdavies (4th Jun 2015 - 11:46:07) Foxes do kill to eat, except when they can take advantage of easy pickings out of bins or a badly protected chicken coup (it has happened to my chickens). Eventually they may naturally adapt to using supermarkets. Any dog, including domestic ones, will attack chickens and other livestock when given the opportunity to do so. Other wild animals including birds of prey will do the same. Foxes are vermin to those that have been outwitted by them and destroying them is the easy solution, not necessarily the correct one.

Re: Fox hunting ban - Mary (4th Jun 2015 - 17:53:16) Cats kill my birds, doesn't mean I want to have them chased for miles, their means of escape blocked, and pulled apart by pack of dogs.

Re: Fox hunting ban - Diane (6th Jun 2015 - 17:31:57) You made a good point Liz. One of the reasons the "set" need to kill fox's is because they kill the poor young pheasants that have just been released for them to shoot . No one has come up with a valid reason to hunt and or kill fox's.

Re: Fox hunting ban - Marie (6th Jun 2015 - 20:14:53) It would appear that each and every one of you have forgotten the poor babies that were mauled by foxes whilst they slept in their crib

Re: Fox hunting ban - A. Ryan (6th Jun 2015 - 22:58:28) I take it that this is Marie's " valid reason " for killing foxes. Words fail me.......

Re: Fox hunting ban - Marie (7th Jun 2015 - 06:52:19) Unfortunately it's not the only case I agree it's a barbaric tradition however I also think that foxes are a pest and need to be controlled as humans we invite them by the amount of waste we leave and the pets ( chickens ) we keep, as the species of supposed higher intelligence there must be another way,

Re: Fox hunting ban - Lily (7th Jun 2015 - 10:53:27) So the fox is a danger to humans because one attacked a baby. A fox will have no respect for the species of animal if it's hungry. The parents job is to protect their offspring from danger. Leaving doors open will not only attract foxes, it could also attract thieves, and other unsavory human characters. Many parents let their cats wonder around their houses with newborns in the crib. Cats are known to smother babies. Perhaps david Cameron would like to set his hounds on every cat to cure that problem. People who want fox hunting want it because it satisfies their bloodlust. It's barbaric and does not belong in our day and age. There is no defence for it. It's for sheer enjoyment and nothing else.

Re: Fox hunting ban - Ian (7th Jun 2015 - 14:19:13) Lily, are you seriously saying a responsible parent shouldnt ever leave their doors open? What an odd contribution to ths debate!

Re: Fox hunting ban - Keith (7th Jun 2015 - 17:35:33) If we want to truly protect foxes then we should ban people driving on country roads at night as well as banning fox hunting. Even when fox hunting was legal each year around 100,000 foxes were killed by cars and lorries compared to 10,000 by fox hunting. Yes, fox hunting may be cruel, but I don't suppose a fox being hit by your car enjoys it too much either...(or for that matter a fox shot and wounded but not killed by a 'marksman') I'm not saying fox hunting should be brought back, but equally I think some here need to remove their rose tinted glasses. The average lifespan of a fox in the UK is around 18 months, it's not a case of simply removing fox hunting and all foxes magically live to a long and happy retirement.

Re: Fox hunting ban - Diane (7th Jun 2015 - 19:11:06) I think more children are killed by Dogs than the one unproved incident with a fox.Does this mean pet dogs can be used for hunting.? Still no valid reason to hunt and kill fox's. If so many are killed on the roads why do you want to kill them? The only reason Mr Cameron wishes to bring back hunting is to apease his paymasters who want pay back for all the money and help they have invested in him

Re: Fox hunting ban - Lily (8th Jun 2015 - 06:24:02) Ian, I don't explain myself very well at all. Of course I don't expect people to never leave their doors open. What I suggest is that if one does leave their door open when there is a baby asleep in a cot or Moses basket/car seat etc caution should be exercised. It isn't only foxes that could wander in was my point. Using the reasoning that a fox attacked a child is a very weak argument in defence of fox hunting. As for David Cameron, I don't remember him talking about this during his election campaign. It is as Dianne said. The injectors of moneyl are calling in the debt. No point in moaning about who is in government though, when you are given a pencil to cast your vote it is all rather self explanatory. The foxes will be hunted again in a manner which belongs to medieval england.

Re: Fox hunting ban - Katie (9th Jun 2015 - 23:54:53) I recently wrote to Damian Hinds to ask how he would vote with regards to the hunting ban. Below is his reply. Thank you for contacting me about the Hunting Act 2004. I know that many people have strongly held views about hunting, for understandable reasons. I have corresponded on this issue many times over the last five years. My opinion has not changed substantially. I share your concern for ensuring the welfare of animals, but in my judgement, the Act does not protect wild animals. In many cases it is actually detrimental to animal welfare. This is particularly evident when other methods of control are deployed, several of which can be indiscriminate. The law as it stands simply bans one method of killing foxes, whilst leaving people free to kill them in various other ways, including shooting, trapping, snaring and gassing. This seems illogical and counterproductive. The Act itself is also worryingly badly drafted, despite the debate on it occupying hundreds of hours of parliamentary time. This sadly leads to misinterpretations of the Act and confusions in its application. Many people have no wish themselves to hunt (myself included), and yet are increasingly aware that the ban is not a workable means of promoting animal welfare. Those that hunt are in a minority. But in the tradition of our liberal democracy, being in a minority doesn’t mean you are ‘wrong’. Our tradition is to treat minorities with tolerance and understanding. The Prime Minister has said that a majority Conservative Government, which we now have, will give Parliament the opportunity to consider the Hunting Act on a free vote, in government time. For the reasons outlined above, it is very likely I would vote in favour of repeal of the law in its current form. I realise that many people will not approve of this stance, and that it may make me unpopular with some. I am sorry that this is not the response you were seeking, but I wanted to set out my position clearly. I respect that many people have passionate and differing views about hunting, which is why the issue has been voted as a ‘conscience’ issue for many years. Thank you again for taking the time to contact me. Yours sincerely, Damian Hinds ___________________________________________ Damian Hinds MP for East Hampshire House of Commons, London SW1A 0AA 0207 219 7057 // 01420 84122 damian.hinds.mp@parliament.uk www.damianhinds.com

Re: Fox hunting ban - Dawn Hoskins (10th Jun 2015 - 08:25:56) I think the whole point is being lost. It is not relevant to discuss how many creatures are killed by foxes, or how many 'hunt' dogs are terminated because they can't run fast enough after they are 6 years old (that really upsets me). The point is - humans - mutilating foxes - for SPORT and fun! Mutilating animals, for SPORT is a disgusting reflection on the humans who think that is a good fun day out with their chums. By all means, find a way to reduce fox numbers if they are a problem to farmers in a specific area - but don't dress it up and pretend this 'sport' is anything to do with reducing numbers. BTW I had the exact response printed above - so just a proforma, nothing personal written to address the specific concerns of the constituent writing to him. Mass produced waste paper. If MP's think a particular piece of legislation is badly drafted - then it is up to them to clarify it by amendment. Allowing fox hunting to be reintroduced because you think a law is badly drafted is the biggest load of bullcrap I have ever heard! This is not about foxes, it is about the big money 'chums' who are lobbying for their jolly days out to be reinstated. They love nothing more than the sight of a ripped up, mutilated bloody carcass of a petrified wild animal at the end of their sporting day out - and don't mind who they bribe to get it.

Re: Fox hunting ban - bdavies (10th Jun 2015 - 08:51:27) I don't see how adding hunting to the methods by which foxes are killed reduces the numbers that are killed inhumanely in other ways. People with a fox problem are not going to call in the local hunt to deal with them in the same way that we would get Rentokil in to exterminate rats at the bottom of the garden. We all know that the Labour party had a political motivation for pushing for a ban because it steered attention away from other things. Mr Hinds talks about the waste of parliamentary time yet is happy to see us going through the whole thing again. Sounds like revenge politics to me.

Re: Fox hunting ban - carole west (10th Jun 2015 - 09:03:38) Foxes don`t kill to eat , they will kill everything in a hen house or pheasant pen and leave them, they will also raid rabbit hutches given the chance.Humans shouldn`t leave food out for foxes they don`t need human food there is plenty of their natural prey out there for them to eat. I don`t like fox hunting but surely there should be more important things on a political agenda .

Re: Fox hunting ban - ellie (12th Jul 2015 - 21:59:13) There is a change.org petition doing the rounds which more than 400,000 people have signed to urge the Government not to repeal the law on fox hunting. It might have an influence if you sign it.

Re: Fox hunting ban - liz (13th Jul 2015 - 08:20:35) Damian Hinds' letter has no logic. He seems to think banning hunting will prevent other methods of controlling foxes, it will not of course. At least keeping the ban will continue to prevent one of the cruellest and least efficient methods.

Re: Fox hunting ban - Dawn Hoskins (13th Jul 2015 - 11:57:51) I just emailed Damian Hinds again, as my first only resulted in the same bog standard and ill-thought out response that was sent to hundreds of other people. My email is bellow: You can’t have it both ways. Is it a sport or is it pest control? If it is pest control then it must be done humanely. We treat fleas on rats better than this! If it is a sport, then it has no place in modern society. In your previous ‘pro-forma’ email response to me; you stated that you thought the current legislation was not well drafted and did not protect animals enough. Well – this Bill seeks to weaken the hunting ban to allow an unlimited number of dogs to chase foxes for ‘pest control’. Ripping a wild animal to shreds after exhausting and terrifying it for hours is not humane pest control and no sport should be ‘cloaked’ in such a disingenuous way. This Bill will make it impossible to prosecute hunts who do not abide by the rules as they will always be able to claim ‘pest control’. In reality they are donning their red jackets for a jolly day out with their chums – for the sheer sport of hunting and mutilating one of Gods creatures, with a drop of champers to follow. If you remain in support of this Bill you will go down so far in so many people's estimations that you would have to jump hard to reach sewer level. If you want to redraft the act, then table that amendment. Redraft it. Don’t support this weakening of an already weak bit of legislation just because the majority of the hunt are Conservative donors. Your conscience and your morals should not allow it. If you would like to message your MP Damian Hinds you can do so by following this link: www.damianhinds.com/contact

Re: Fox hunting ban - ellie (13th Jul 2015 - 12:32:07) please sign the petition on line as well, I very much doubt if Damien Hinds will want to upset the Tory line, he is not likely to oppose the Bill purely on loyalty lines. There is not much promotion likely if he does oppose it!

Re: Fox hunting ban - Diane (14th Jul 2015 - 09:50:48) Well done Dawn. I too wrote another letter to D H he did send me back a very inconclusive Email basically saying he would go with what him and his Master believed rather than what his constituents wanted. He did say his mail on this subject was 50/50 so if you are against the ban being interfered with email him quickly. I also pointed out that if David Cameron was trying to push this through the back door What Next? Hurray for the Scots

Re: Fox hunting ban - liz (14th Jul 2015 - 11:24:14) Yes, well done the Scots. However it now seems the vote will be delayed while they bring forward the change which will not allow Scottish MP's to vote on purely English issues. Actually I agree with the latter change, but such obvious manipulation to get what the government believe is the 'right' vote on hunting is a disgrace. As for Damien Hinds, he has made it quite clear that he is not interested in his constituents views. As a career politician in a safe seat he will just toe the party line. James Arbuthnot always took a genuine interest - unfortunately we got Damien due to a boundary change!

Re: Fox hunting ban - Hamish (14th Jul 2015 - 11:48:19) And he disnae keep ducks!!!

Re: Fox hunting ban - Keith (14th Jul 2015 - 11:51:00) While I don't agree with Damian's stance on this issue (and I think today's announcement that the motion is to be delayed is a very bad decision by the Government and puts democracy in a poor light), I think it is a little unfair to say that Damian does not listen to his constituents. When I have had correspondence with Damian or indeed face to face discussions, he has always proved to be very responsive and to listen to the arguments put forward, but, and it is a very important but, if he has a differing view to you on this issue, you put forward an argument and he maintains his differing view, that does not mean he has not listened, it means your argument has not been convincing enough to change his mind. On the point of him being a career politician, yes this is true, and so on a large number of issues it is impossible for Damian to vote against the Government whip, purely because parliamentary tradition is that members of the Government, i.e. Ministers and Junior Ministers, always vote in line with the Government whip (or resign), but on the fox hunting issue there is a free vote (i.e. there is no Government whip) and so each MP is free to vote according to their conscience.

Re: Fox hunting ban - liz (14th Jul 2015 - 13:28:51) Keith Yes there is a free vote on this - but still no harm in toeing the party line even if not compulsory. My view of Damien Hinds is not based on this issue.

Re: Fox hunting ban - Hamish (14th Jul 2015 - 23:44:59) Aye weel, ye ken that the fishy duo o' Sturgeon and Salmon hae saved the Cameroon loon fae getting a red face oer this ane. Serves the daft bugger richt tae. He should be stickin tae whit metters. As sure as hell this is a metter best dealt wi' by devolved council powers. The elected government hae bigger things tae concern 'em sels wi wioot worryin aboot a bliddy fox. Jeez!

Re: Fox hunting ban - liz (15th Jul 2015 - 10:01:50) Animal welfare left to devolved council powers - regional animal welfare? Surely not!

Re: Fox hunting ban - Julian (16th Jul 2015 - 12:32:06)

Re: Fox hunting ban - Diane (16th Jul 2015 - 13:07:47) It was a Scottish problem by the fact that foxes cross borders so if Scottish fox's came onto English soil they would would need protecting by the law.

Re: Fox hunting ban - tony (16th Jul 2015 - 14:09:52) Dianne, I totally agree, any visiting Scottish foxes should expect to receive the full protection of Scottish citizenship. They would be advised to carry ID.

Re: Fox hunting ban - Jimmy (16th Jul 2015 - 14:18:56) And I daresay it was on the agenda of the treaty talks on nuclear non proliferation and means of verification agreed between Obama, Putin, Merckel, Holland, Cameron, Iran and someone from China this last week because it is so important.

Re: Fox hunting ban - Diane (17th Jul 2015 - 19:53:58) Do you really think so Jimmy!!!!!! Had a letter from our MP explaining how with this new amendment hunting would be undertaken to releive the wild mammel of suffering when it is injured. I wonder is this before or after it has been chased by a pack of dogs and persons on horses!!!! It seems that it is the Hill farmers who are requiring this change in the law because the hunters need lots of dogs to chase pests that affect their stock.What pests would that be then? What planet is David Cameron and friends on and does he really think we are all so stupid that we can't reason things out for ourselves I guess he will keep going untill the Countryside Alliance let him off the hook.

Re: Fox hunting ban - Jenny O'Sullivan (21st Sep 2016 - 22:48:50) I thought MP's were representatives of their constituents, not self obsessed bigots who inflict their opinion and act on it disregarding the fact that they are vastly outnumbered. His response was gratuitous, he obviously has learned nothing from Brexit, people don't want the establishment trying to push their will onto the majority. I remember Cameron, on being re-elected, his first act was to organise a pro hunting vote. It's the first time I admired Nicola Sturgeon as she shot him down in flames by saying her MP's would vote against.

Re: Fox hunting ban - megan (22nd Sep 2016 - 11:37:31) Everybody has differnt veiws on fox hunting but neither party should force there veiws on the other. I remember going on a hunt and people who were protesting against it were hitting the horses and trying to pull young girls ( 14) of there ponies it was disgusting. You dont see people who agree with it doing those types of things. At the end of the day not all fox hunts are the same as well as not all you read is true. Unless you have been to one and seen yourself you cant have a factual view on the subject. Foxes same as other animals (rats) need to be cut down, you dont see the same passion over rat killing but they are very similar in behavour. They kill for fun, have awful diseases and now they are so many and no hunting they are not scared but are now not so beautiful and elegant now skin and bones. Pros and cons on both sides but people need to calm down over it.

Re: Fox hunting ban - Emma W (22nd Sep 2016 - 12:20:12) Lily. That wasn't true. The parents in question had been keeping a fox cub as a pet realising as it got bigger that it was not. When the police investigated they hid their Terrier dogs and upon visiting the hospital and with further investigation the doctors agreed that the bites were far more consistent with those of a Terrier than a fox. Any justification for such blatant barbarity in what we kid ourself's is a civilised society is disgraceful. As for neanderthal comments such as humans are the dominant breed, they belong in the same century as fox hunting. Deriving pleasure from watching an animal chased for miles by a pack of dogs and idiots on horseback to be ripped to shreds at the end of it for the terriermen to then pass the remains of the foxes body to the huntsman for him to wipe the blood of the fox across the huntsman face, in the name of tradition. Seriously is this really justifiable on any level ever. Hiding behind tradition to feed a need for torture, dominance and superiority is a very slippery slope.

Re: Fox hunting ban - liz (22nd Sep 2016 - 12:22:22) I have been hunting - and I hated it. The meet was great with everyone beautifully turned out and a few drinks being passed around but it was downhill from there. There wasn't even as much consideration for the horses as I would have expected. It is a myth that foxes kill for 'fun', their instinct is to kill more than they need to cache (i.e. store) food. Nowadays people want to cull foxes to protect game birds which are bred to be shot for 'fun' which is ironic. I don't really have an objection to someone going out to shoot game for their supper but when you see large numbers of people out shooting pheasants it sees really unnecessary. Many are incompetent shots and many of the birds, which are slow and driven right in into the firing line, are so peppered with shot as to be useless for food. Rant over.

Re: Fox hunting ban - Emma W (22nd Sep 2016 - 12:29:41) Let's also not forget that it's also cubbing season. This is where foxes are captured by the terriermen and bred. The cubs are then thrown live to the hounds to 'train' them. Foxes are also captured and hobbled with one leg tied to stop then running and getting away to quickly to enable the hunt to last longer. This has nothing to do with care of wildlife or a natural form of culling. I completely agree Dawn that our MPs should be listening to their constituents but this has long since been a battle when it comes to fox hunting.

Re: Fox hunting ban - Emma W (22nd Sep 2016 - 12:49:29) Megan. Yesterday news detailed how a huntsman had broken the ribs and punctured the lung of a girl because she was against fox hunting and stood with her back to him at a gate. He used his horse as a weapon to injure her and hospitalise her. 3 months ago a retired police inspector was taking photos of a hunt and was set upon and hospitalised by hunt hired thugs. He was left for dead and spent weeks in intensive care after being found and airlifted to hospital. The aggression and brutality from these so called human beings doesn't stop at animals.. the facts are there in black and white for all to see. Google it !

Re: Fox hunting ban - megan (22nd Sep 2016 - 14:57:31) You cant generlise 1 persons actions on thousands of thousands of people. I didnt the people i witnessed myself were hundreds not just one or two silly people letting the side down. Like i said everybody has there view mine is i dont have a problem with it but thats the way i have been brought up, i hunt for my meals other people are differnt i just dont see a need for violence that is all.

Re: Fox hunting ban - megan (22nd Sep 2016 - 15:15:47) Also there are proper hunts ran by actual organisations and then some that are not. I do not belive a girl stood still would then randomly get hit, normally the protesters are beating the horses and riders trying to drag them of. You did that to my horse i would gladly hit you back. Two sides to every story.

Re: Fox hunting ban - liz (22nd Sep 2016 - 15:20:22) Megan Fox hunting is not 'hunting for your meals'.

Re: Fox hunting ban - Emma W (22nd Sep 2016 - 15:47:51) It's there in black and white Megan. The thug dressed in red does not dispute that the woman he violently assaulted was doing just that. Fox hunting is violent and driven only by a need for power and superiority nothing more nothing less. Those opposing fox hunting do so because they love and respect animals wether wild, domestic or equine. They don't attack animals of any denomination unlike the huntsman who openly abuse the hounds and their horses.

Re: Fox hunting ban - Megan (22nd Sep 2016 - 15:57:38) Its not just fun and games. No bloody differnce from people who eat cheap meat think where that came from or cheap eggs milk ect but half of you wouldnt think of that. Also people do eat fox , partner has killed us rabbit to eat and would happily any other animal, way of life. Fox hunting is a way of peoples life.

Re: Fox hunting ban - H (22nd Sep 2016 - 16:20:50) have I missed something? I thought foxhunting was not legal anymore?

Re: Fox hunting ban - Emma W (22nd Sep 2016 - 17:33:42) It is illegal but still takes place every week sadly. The huntsman are generally Judges, Qcs and serving Police Officers. That's how they get away with breaking the law. The police attend most hunts but rarely prosecute the hunters even when they kill a fox or their hounds get into homeowners gardens and kill their pets or even when the poor hounds loose the trail and get onto main roads causing accidents. The terriermen simply dump the dead and injured dogs on the roadside. All well documented facts for everyone to read.

Re: Fox hunting ban - Emma W (22nd Sep 2016 - 18:20:25) As for not be believing that the girl in question was standing with her back to him it's all on video. Google the Blackmore and Sparkford Vale hunt and the delightful Mark Doggerall who later went on to take part in a fox kill then enjoy a bbq later that evening where he went on break the nose of a fellow huntsman. Clearly no respector of human life anymore than animal. 5 months later the lady so brutally assaulted is still recovering. Despite full video evidence and the police arresting him for grievous bodily harm the charges were dropped through lack of evidence. The police turned a blind eye to the hunt and killed fox.

Re: Fox hunting ban - Megan (22nd Sep 2016 - 21:31:18) Didnt get into this for a huge debate. I have my views you have yours end of. Do not be telling me mine is wrong nor will i to you. Hunting still goes on today but a false scent for the dogs gets put up. Police dont just turn a blind eye there would of been a reason , like not all was as it was protrade. I went fox hunting on my pony when i was about 7/8 loved it and the huntsman was so kind and looked after everybody I have seen the good of it first handed and the bad of it from non eductated protesters who are prostesting for an animal yet assualting and injuting another.

Re: Fox hunting ban - Emma W (23rd Sep 2016 - 07:05:50) If that's your experience clearly years ago it appears evident that hunt protesters have evolved and are now respectors of all animals and the hunters have deteriorated yet further. The statistics are there in full view for everyone to see. The assaults on those against hunting foxes carried out by hunt hired thugs are numerous and high. The reports of dogs straying and killing pets or getting into road traffic accidents are high. The reports of hunters and terriermen abusing foxes, hounds and horses are high. Assaults against hunters negligible. Fox hunting is illegal yet still goes on I can list numerous hunts throughout the year that are well documented to not use the methods you describe. The reality is, that it still goes on regardless of it being illegal and regardless of evidence and footage the police do not prosecute the hunters.

Re: Fox hunting ban - Emma W (23rd Sep 2016 - 08:39:23) To return to Dawn's original point over 80% of the population do not want the hunting ban overturned. The fact that our PM and her side kick are desperately trying to ignore that and get the vote overturned shows that MPs don't listen to the wishes of their constituents unless as is stated there will be a back seat rebellion in Parliament, this remains to be seen.

Re: Fox hunting ban - Ian (23rd Sep 2016 - 09:21:51) Fox hunting has had its day, simple. Many things that were the norm in the not too distant past are now unacceptable, just look at telly in the 1970's. I would have thought our political classes have more important things to deal with. However the extreme violence on BOTH sides of the hunting debate is sickening and wrong and no matter how much passion you have for a cause, be it pro or against you should not resort to the level of violence that can been seen on the news and social media. Town folk should appreciate that country living is different from city living and that culls/wildlife management are required occasionally. However country folk also need to appreciate that killing FOR SPORT no matter how it is dressed up or justified as a tradition is no longer legal, necessary or acceptable.

Re: Fox hunting ban - Emma W (23rd Sep 2016 - 10:19:35) Well said Ian.

Re: Fox hunting ban - H (23rd Sep 2016 - 10:29:24) I think it was foxhunting which was once described as the" unspeakable in pursuit of the inedible". I agree with Ian it is outmoded and best left in the past. There are more legal ways to control the wildlife population. The farmer who lived next to me moved took all his poultry with him, result, no more foxes! As well as the foxes there was a vermin problem which has also disappeared because there are no feed bins around.

Re: Fox hunting ban - megan (23rd Sep 2016 - 11:45:15) That was my first hunt have been on them recently and its my view i support. Its not just a sport either that people do for fun. I dont see anybody beinh disgusted how people hunt rats which is 10 times worse. Wrong has been done on both parties , all i am saying is that the protesters against it are not innocent at all. Unfortuantly for some people it has been going on for years and years and legal or not will still carry on behind closed doors, if it was legalised it could be watched over more carefully and rules put in place.

Re: Fox hunting ban - liz (23rd Sep 2016 - 11:57:29) Megan As certain elements of the the hunting fraternity have no respect for rules and think they are above the law what would be the point?

Re: Fox hunting ban - Emma W (23rd Sep 2016 - 12:00:29) Then we can only hope that the politicians don't get their way and allow it back in. As for it being fun to partake and watch live animals being ripped apart, that I am very glad to say I will never understand or accept as a pleasurable activity for the sane of mind.

Re: Fox hunting ban - megan (23rd Sep 2016 - 12:36:23) There are hundreds of differnt hunts. The proper hunts which is there livilyhood or the want to be hunts. The hunts you have seen or described are not the well respected hunts. People go out shooting animals and eating them for fun. People go catching rats with dogs ripping them apart for fun but yet nothing said over that. People who get asked to do a job gets all this rubbish. There are worse things going on with animals then fox hunting. Open your eyes a bit wider and try and see the bigger picture.

Re: Fox hunting ban - liz (23rd Sep 2016 - 12:58:46) I think we can all see the bigger picture clearly enough to know that two 'wrongs' don't make a 'right', i.e. just because there are worse things than fox hunting doesn't make it OK. It is still, quite rightly, illegal and should remain so.

Re: Fox hunting ban - Emma W (23rd Sep 2016 - 12:59:55) My eyes are wide open Megan however this particular subject was about fox hunting. I can willingly discuss other forms of abuse for other animals around the world if you would like to start a new subject but as I say this was in relation to fox hunting. Continually attempting to detract from the subject at hand by referring to all the other forms of abuse that humans subject animals to does little for your argument . I find it quite telling that whilst you state that the anti hunt humans are violent it it in fact only you the pro hunter who has stated that you would happily hit someone and only you who has felt the need to revert to swearing within your responses. If you right and have the truth behind you there's really no need to revert to such behaviour.

Re: Fox hunting ban - Emma W (23rd Sep 2016 - 13:12:11) The infamous Atherstone hunt is just one of many who meet regularly, kill foxes and have police there in attendance who ignore each and every kill. The list of illegal hunts is sadly endless. If they are able to blatantly break the law making it legal with rules will be even more of a farce. Whatever your feelings on the subject the facts and evidence can't be as easily brushed under the carpet as illegally ripping foxes to pieces, cubbing or hobbling.

Re: Fox hunting ban - Emma W (23rd Sep 2016 - 13:57:06) Very well said Liz.

Re: Fox hunting ban - megan (23rd Sep 2016 - 15:09:38) I actually work with animals have done for years and read my post properly next time please , i wouldnt just randomly hit somebody i stated if you were beating my horse so abusing my animals i would hit you back to get you away from my horse! You can not judge me as a person for agreeing with something. I work with animals and children aswell as helping out with riding for the disabled, i have high morals and care very much, i have my own family and children and animals at home. So dont you dare judge my character! I wouldnt go on a protest and beat up an animal for a stupid protest nor drag children of horses. I am a respected and well educated person. So dont start on my character!

Re: Fox hunting ban - megan (23rd Sep 2016 - 15:23:33) I will say this again, there are wrong on both sides, i am putting acoss what i have witnessed first hand about the protesters. I can have my view and its not right or wrong same with yours it is just my view. I am passionate with what i believe in same as yourself. I was stating the wrong i have witnessed myself not read somewhere.

Re: Fox hunting ban - liz (23rd Sep 2016 - 16:01:50) Some protesters may be violent and I don't support that. However it doesn't make hunting right (or legal).

Re: Fox hunting ban - megan (23rd Sep 2016 - 16:21:04) This is what i am trying to say, its your view that its not morally right , this is why its a huge debate as people have their own views

Re: Fox hunting ban - liz (23rd Sep 2016 - 16:52:39) It's my view that it is cruel in the extreme.

Re: Fox hunting ban - megan (23rd Sep 2016 - 17:36:45) Yes but your view nor mine is either wrong or right it is what it is, i will never agree with you nor you with me

Re: Fox hunting ban - Emma W (23rd Sep 2016 - 18:02:43) Megan can you explain then how you find the mutilation of a live animal fun if as you say you work with animals and children. Look at the bigger picture with your own comments. Is that really the sort of person you would want caring for your animals and children. I doubt that I'll be in the minority with not wanting someone that derives pleasure in chasing an animal for miles then finding 'fun' your words Megan no one else's in seeing it ripped apart and gutted by a pack of hounds whilst still alive. How is any of that fun. Frankly like the majority of people I wouldn't want anyone who finds pleasure in killing animals near my children or my animals.

Re: Fox hunting ban - megan (23rd Sep 2016 - 19:33:28) Good thing i dont look after your animals and children then isnt it. I am very good at my job and care for all my animals and other peoples with a lot of care. I take great offence in you starting to try and slander me when it comes to my work. May the editor pass my details on to this person and i can handle it. The dogs do not eat the fox , they do not tear it to bits either , it gets killed by a break to the neck. Same as all other animals. Just because i am old fashioned in some of my views gives you no right to judge me in the work place. End of.

Re: Fox hunting ban - Emma W (23rd Sep 2016 - 20:34:43) So how does a pack of 40 or so dogs know how to make a clean break of a foxes neck then Megan. Photos don't lie. Unlike people.

Re: Fox hunting ban - Emma W (23rd Sep 2016 - 20:37:24) And if you could answer the question. I would like to hear why you find a foxes being killed fun.

Re: Fox hunting ban - megan (23rd Sep 2016 - 22:18:56) I never got nasty at you personally but you did proved my point earlier so well done. I imagine i am half your age yet still in a debate dont sink to personal digs. I dont personally go on a hunt for a thrill or just for fun. The hunts i have been on since the ban are scent only just to add but uneducated protesters turn up and then get arrested. I dont have an issue with it no but its how i have been raised. Dogs are not stupid , you train dogs to hunt to do a clean break and leave it or bring it back to the master. People Kill for fun a lot these days but you just dont see it, fishing your killing an animal for sport or fun you are either wacking it on the head until it dies or letting it die slowly in the air. People who go hunting deers, rabbits, birds ect, arnt always a great shot some are novices so the animal dies slowly. A dog is a quick death how you train them. Your comment about rats not being relevent it is as your saying a pack of dogs tearing a fox well its what they do with rats but you dont see any protesters over that do you? No! Because they are classed as vermen and so are foxes. Stop demesticating a fox it would happily attack and kill you if it could they are visicous a lot of the time with awful diseases.

Re: Fox hunting ban - Emma W (24th Sep 2016 - 06:49:50) You have done nothing but contradict yourself yet again Megan. You said categorically that it was fun but are now saying otherwise. Your response does nothing but continue with what myself and others have previously pointed out in that you continually use other cruelty in an attempt to justify fox hunting. There is no such justification for deriving pleasure in taking the life of a living breathing creature. Killing should never be fun for those who are of sound mind. You have provided all the information about yourself and made it public. The public will therefore respond to it. If you don't want people to question you don't make your life public. Simple really.

Re: Fox hunting ban - Emma W (24th Sep 2016 - 07:19:37) As for foxes killing people well that really is a childish and I'll educated comment. I'd really like to see the reports on that one. Im assuming they reside in a high status newsparer such as the daily sport ! I'm 47 by the way and have managed to a evade death by fox for all this time despite living in the the country for much of it. I have never said that the death of rats or any other animal for that matter is irrelevant quite the opposite. So to go back to your comment that 'it's fun' why is it ? Oh yes, your now saying that you didn't say that either. There's only one person getting angry in there responses here Megan and and that's you the self confessed hunter and lover of blood sports including illegal fox hunting but of course were foxes only have there necks politely broken. Oh yes again now retracted. Feel free to Google Keep the Bank. It's graphic but shows exactly what a pack of hounds do when the fox is to weak to run anymore. It's not pretty and it not quick. It's also far from fun.

Re: Fox hunting ban - megan (24th Sep 2016 - 16:09:14) Your the person who decided to get personal to me and my job. So you hit below the belt as a 47 year old you should know that in a debate you dont need to get personal. I enjoy taking my horse out to a hunt to socialise with other like minded people and go for a gallop and a jump. Like i have said since the ban my hunt only go on scented hunts. You did say about rat hunting being irrelevent and its funny how more protesters get arrested for GBH. Foxes have actually attacked children and i would never want my child near one as they are violent horrible creatures. They may be pretty to look at but means nothing. I respect all animals whether you believe that or not. My clients who i work for and organisations would say the same. I help animals all the time. But some animals ( rodents) numbers should be kept down. I am obvisously having a debate with an ill mannered women who half the time insults and puts down a persons lively hood its disgusting and didnt need to be brought to that. I will never shove my views down somebodys throat , i only commented to state the other side, but yet i get personal digs of somebody old enough to be my mother and who should know better and set a better example in a debate as thats all this is. End of. Any more issues feel free to get my details i will speak to you.

Re: Fox hunting ban - Emma W (24th Sep 2016 - 17:26:13) If I were your mother Megan I would have brought you up to respect all animals and not to enjoy killing anything for fun or pleasure regardless of your personal belief in what you think that they are. As I have said I have never spoken about rats which is there for all to see should they wish to. You advised everyone that you work with vulnerable children and animals. As i have made very very clear I would not want anyone who finds pleasure in killing animals anywhere near my children or family and I doubt very much that I am in the minority. There are wildly fabricated stories of fox attacks for the less educated amongst us to chose to believe but as none are truth rather foolish and silly comments such as yours earlier that foxes kill people if given a chance does nothing but continue your hostility in a debate that you are fully aware you aren't winning. 83% of people in this country do not want fox hunting. The majority of people on this page agree. Out of interest where have you carried out the legal fox hunts without chasing or killing foxes ?

Re: Fox hunting ban - megan (24th Sep 2016 - 20:13:58) So not only do you insult me but you insult my mother and my family who i garentee you know stop being so disrespectful. It proves my point about protesters well done you. You think what you like i am good at my job and everyday get complimented on my love and care for animals. I am an old style proper country girl born and bred and i am not afraid to say it and be honest. I said if foxes could they would , learn to read my comments properly please. Also they hire out cross country places and do it over there or feilds. A person either walks or runs to do the scent then the dogs smell it out. I am a proud mother of two and i am disgusted in the fact you will judge and say such hurtful things about somebody elses mother or there parenting. I cant belive i share a village with somebody who obviously has no community spirit to be so rude to another person like you have when you dont even know me. Act your age. Grow up. Stop getting personal.

Re: Fox hunting ban - Emma W (25th Sep 2016 - 03:08:40) Where have you hunted legally. What are the names of places you have hunted.

Re: Fox hunting ban - megan (25th Sep 2016 - 10:53:50) The hunts are legal in the first place. The proper name for it is drag hunting. Bet yet still stupid protesters come to something which is legal as no foxes are hunted. There have been done at iping, fairoak, a place in chiddingfold and elstead. Once again these are legal.

Re: Fox hunting ban - H (25th Sep 2016 - 13:26:13) Unfortunately this thread has become personal, about on a par with "Bordon Rants!" The issues of animal cruelty are obvious but it is best to accept that it causes emotion on both sides and move on.

Re: Fox hunting ban - Emma W (25th Sep 2016 - 13:39:58) www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/former-fox-hunter-exposes-full... Clifford Peplow former professional huntsman for over 50 years finally turned his back on fox hunting after the barbarity repulsed him. He uncovers the brutal and sadistic truth behind fox hunting. Not a tree hugging animal loving 'silly protester'at all but a man very much in a position to expose exactly the reality fact and truth behind this antiquated cruelty. A simple Google search of his name gives a realistic hunters recount of hunting foxes and why after years of taking part his guilt took over. I think he says enough for me to leave it there.

Re: Fox hunting ban - John (25th Sep 2016 - 18:56:11) Hello All, I am here to address my views over fox hunting and what is now known as hunting, before I address this I would like to say that this post has become a battle of personalities and that isn't the topic. I have worked with Megan and can say that she treats animals very well and always has done, I am a child myself and can say she works very well with children. She forms a bond with every animal she looks after and treats them with the care they deserve, now back to the topic of hunting. Before the ban on fox hunting was put in place, it was a very popular sport. It was sported around the world and was very popular, it was back then seen as fun and was not viewed as cruel. Now that the ban is in place, it is rarely performed but in some cases, yes it is (sadly). I am not saying fox hunting is fun or a good sport because yes it is very cruel, but its a way of life for some. The term hunting now a days is not always "Fox-Hunting" but is used to describe a group of people who either go galloping across fields and pop over some jumps or to follow a scent, Fox-Hunting is still a sport whether it is to hunt a fox or to hunt a scent. The amount of animal cruelty that goes on in this world is disappointing and what shocks me the most is that the only topic spoken about on here is "Fox's". I mean look at rabbit hunting, fishing, poaching and most importantly rat hunting. The fact that fox hunting is illegal pretty much makes this conversation irrelevant, its your views and keep them to yourself before slating off Megan. Shes very good at her job and was brought up to hunt and its her way of life, so it is for many others. The fact is that most meat on the market is ill farmed and the animals are ill-treated and are killed inhumanely. There are much more important issues with this world than fox-hunting, yes its wrong but its not the biggest issue we have. I am not here to argue I am only here to stick up for Megan's lively-hood and for what I believe about Fox-Hunting, I myself am a horse rider and have been on a fun-hunt, We didn't hunt for a scent or for a horse, neither with dogs. We hunted for the fun of riding.

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