Fox hunting is cruel and disruptive of rural life

In County Clare, eight hunt hounds that savaged sheep to death were then shot by farmers. This is further shocking and incontestable evidence of the havoc hunting inflicts on the countryside.

Fox hunting is immensely cruel and would be a serious criminal offence had it not been exempted from prohibition under the Animal Health and Welfare Act.

But fox hunting can also be cruel to farmers. Horses and hounds in full flight rip up fields of winter crops; knock down fencing that farmers are obliged by law to keep intact; scatter flocks and herds, and, as in County Clare, out-of-control hounds can kill or horribly injure farm livestock.

Domestic pets, such as cats and small dogs, have also been eviscerated by hounds.

The answer to this rampant, rural vandalism and indefensible animal cruelty is drag hunting: in addition to eliminating cruelty to foxes, the laying of a false trail for hounds, along a pre-determined route, would protect farmers and other landowners from this medieval, unprovoked assault on their properties and livelihoods.

John Fitzgerald

(Campaign for the Abolition  Of Cruel Sports)

Lower Coyne Street

Callan

Co Kilkenny