Record numbers take part in Boxing Day hunts (From Yeovil Express)
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Record numbers take part in Boxing Day hunts
4:00pm Wednesday 28th December 2011 in News
WITH pressure mounting on the Government to repeal the seven-year-old hunting ban, record numbers of riders took to the countryside on Monday to take part in traditional Boxing Day hunts.
More than 300 hunts took place around the country, with scores of people in Somerset riding out through Wiveliscombe, Castle Cary, Crewkerne and Ilminster, with many claiming taking part in hunt events is still proving very popular despite the ban.
Master of the Chipstable Hunt, William Roffe-Sylvester, said he was delighted to see so many in the Square in Wiveliscombe for their hunt.
He added: “We had more riders and it was the most people I’ve seen since the ban started. We hunt within the law and the support is greater than ever – people seem to like it more now. There is no damage to the wildlife and the day is very family orientated.”
Chipstable Hunt secretary Kate Harris said the ride had 37 mounted horses, adding: “Hundreds were out watching so we had a really good time and it was a really good turnout for what we stand for. The number of mounted horses was slightly down on last year but any space was taken up by more people watching.
“We try our best not to affect the traffic or annoy people during the hunt so we lay the trail carefully.”
Former chairman of the Quantock Staghounds, Anthony Trollop-Bellew, said he believed there is still a groundswell of public support for hunting.
He said: “I believe it was very good and for that many people to turn up across the county has got to be good news.
“It is good to see that a lot of people still support the hunts.”
Despite the claims of an increased turnout at hunt meets, Louise Robertson, of the League Against Cruel Sports, said the campaign group was sceptical about the popularity of hunting.
She said: “Boxing Day is all about a big spotlight for people hunting and the figures should be taken with a pinch of salt.
“I think people want to be more involved now but only because the sport doesn’t involve chasing a wild animal to exhaustion and people revelling in watching it being ripped open by hounds.
“We didn’t have any reported problems and we didn’t expect people to be breaking the law as it was all about putting a positive spin on the day in what is a sport with dwindling numbers.
"Now that the ban is in place we are focusing our attentions on enforcing the law rather than protesting."
What do you think? Should the hunting ban be overturned? Email your views to newsdesk@countygazette.co.uk.
Comments(59)
twinkles
says...
5:28pm Wed 28 Dec 11
Just because they say they hunt 'within the law' doesn't mean a thing. "Oh, sorry, the hounds must have found a different scent to the one we wanted them to follow..." etc etc.
Trouble is, these hunts (small 'c') are populated by the double-barrelleds among our society, typically the ones who MAKE the laws in the first place.
Amused&Bemused
says...
6:27pm Wed 28 Dec 11
twinkles wrote:What or who do you disagree with twinkles the double barreled people or the act of killing foxes.The trouble is the quiet majority in this country could not give a toss about foxes.I think its the toffs you dislike really!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Absolute disgrace. I'm ashamed to be of a similar genus as these thugs. I've witnessed 'the hunt' (small 'h') on the Quantocks a few times, and each time they've been abusive, threatening and caused damage to property. Just because they say they hunt 'within the law' doesn't mean a thing. "Oh, sorry, the hounds must have found a different scent to the one we wanted them to follow..." etc etc. Trouble is, these hunts (small 'c') are populated by the double-barrelleds among our society, typically the ones who MAKE the laws in the first place.
!
scudloadofanthrax
says...
6:51pm Wed 28 Dec 11
mayrose
says...
7:11pm Wed 28 Dec 11
Hugo101
says...
9:51pm Wed 28 Dec 11
However like people who sexually assault children and abuse them irrespective of the law are in the same category of these so-called hunters. They are basically pedophiles of the countryside and gain pleasure from abusing wild animals.
Its as simple as that, but rich toffs like to think they have the police in there pocket and so get away with it.
timozpagan
says...
10:08pm Wed 28 Dec 11
Clearly this practice isn't about hunting foxes, it is completely inefficient for that. No, it is about putting on a show and fulfills some primitive bloody urge to kill.
Having lived and grown up partly in country Australia, I understand how destructive feral animals can be to both farm and indigenous fauna. Australian farmers are more pragmatic, and I believe more compassionate, they simply shoot foxes. They don't trott about the countryside with packs of dogs and children in tow.
timozpagan
says...
10:08pm Wed 28 Dec 11
Clearly this practice isn't about hunting foxes, it is completely inefficient for that. No, it is about putting on a show and fulfills some primitive bloody urge to kill.
Having lived and grown up partly in country Australia, I understand how destructive feral animals can be to both farm and indigenous fauna. Australian farmers are more pragmatic, and I believe more compassionate, they simply shoot foxes. They don't trott about the countryside with packs of dogs and children in tow.
Amused&Bemused
says...
10:50pm Wed 28 Dec 11
Hugo101
says...
11:30pm Wed 28 Dec 11
You often see the reds coats wired with two way radio, is this really hunting or just plain animal abuse for pure SM pleasure, I think so. Can you really se these prise knob-heads hunting in the real world?
scudloadofanthrax
says...
10:00am Thu 29 Dec 11
Monument
says...
10:02am Thu 29 Dec 11
One is a male bird the other a derogatory term - SCG please get a grip.
scudloadofanthrax
says...
10:04am Thu 29 Dec 11
jimee
says...
3:13pm Thu 29 Dec 11
the voice of common sense
says...
4:05pm Thu 29 Dec 11
jimee
says...
9:25pm Thu 29 Dec 11
MBR Extreme
says...
6:37am Fri 30 Dec 11
MBR Extreme
says...
7:55am Fri 30 Dec 11
Monument
says...
8:56am Fri 30 Dec 11
Absolutely no consideration for anyone and it's Tiverton Hunt that is. By far the worst.
MBR Extreme
says...
9:34am Fri 30 Dec 11
Monument wrote:Yes the 4x4s and quads ripping up the countryside they suppose to love,Yes Kate Harris theres alot of support for your Barbaric, primitive lazy murdering sport lol.
Forget the early 90's - happens everytime the hunt comes round our way. It is not the dogs and riders it's the hangers on in their 4x4's and quad bikes.
Absolutely no consideration for anyone and it's Tiverton Hunt that is. By far the worst.
Nooptions
says...
10:19am Fri 30 Dec 11
1/. Not a double-barelled name or anyone from the 'toffs' in society that I hunt with and my background couldn't be more working class if I made it up thanks!
2/. Hugo1 - paedophiles???? Sooooo amusing and soooo wrong! Clearly you have little if any understanding of hunting pre. or post the hunting act!
3/. Concerned about children that hunt? Don't be, the ones I have met are among the most well adjusted, considerate and polite, worry about the ones hanging around in local parks and street corners in this very town who are far more at risk!
4/. Scudloadofanthrax - 80% of statistics are made up on the spot and yours re. the marriage statistics of those that hunt are so far off the mark I think this may be the case with you! The divorce rate in other hobbies from my own personal observations and experience of people I have worked with, though not scientifically proven of course, is that football and fishing are far greater marriage wreckers!
5/. MBR Extreme - if you wish to disrupt a hunt that is your prerogative, consider though whether they are acting legally? If they are then think how you'd feel if you were going about your legal business and someone deliberately obstructed you!
6/. Jiimee - you are spot on, we will quietly go about our LEGAL hunting business Thought I'd pass comment just to show that we can read and don't spend all our time running around the countryside killing defenceless animals.
Nooptions
says...
11:08am Fri 30 Dec 11
Snaring/Trapping = indescriminate and could see domestic and 'non-target' species trapped and potentially dying a slow lingering death.
Poisoning = as trapping really!
Hunting with hounds was always the most discriminating way of controlling animal(particularly fox) populations, those caught were most often the unhealthy or infirm that could not escape, however, were also those that were the most problem for those keeping domestic stock as they were unable to hunt effectively. Young, fit, healthy foxes would often 'out-fox' the hounds and escape.
Nooptions
says...
11:12am Fri 30 Dec 11
twinkles
says...
12:21pm Fri 30 Dec 11
The fact that certain methods of this barbaric high society pass-time are still legal is precisely because those who do it are the ones that make the laws and rules! Just because it's legal doesn't make it right.
Don't think you're a saint because you quote someone from the LACS. I'm fairly confident they don't support you.
Nooptions
says...
12:44pm Fri 30 Dec 11
On what grounds do you base your belief that a fox can't out run hounds or that other control methods are NOT indiscriminate? As someone who has had a dog poisoned by pest control substances, I'd say that proves that point at least!
The fact that some forms of hunting are legal is because there is an acceptance that wildlife control is necessary and using hounds a viable way of doing so. Just because you say it is wrong doesn't make it wrong!
Finally, no I'm no saint, is anyone? Are you?
Monument
says...
1:31pm Fri 30 Dec 11
I appreciate much of what you say but please do not insult our intelligence by claiming fox hunting was anything to do with controlling the fox population.
Foxes are shot here almost daily and still they kill and maim poultry. There would have to be ten times as many hunts meeting daily to have any impact.
Hunting is a social activity claiming to be a sport.
Monument
says...
1:31pm Fri 30 Dec 11
I appreciate much of what you say but please do not insult our intelligence by claiming fox hunting was anything to do with controlling the fox population.
Foxes are shot here almost daily and still they kill and maim poultry. There would have to be ten times as many hunts meeting daily to have any impact.
Hunting is a social activity claiming to be a sport.
Nooptions
says...
1:57pm Fri 30 Dec 11
Thanks for the note about killing and maiming poultry by the way, add to the list lambs and sometimes small calves too, as so many people think foxes are nice and cuddly, whilst beautiful when in good condition, they certainly are not that!
It is indeed a social activity now given that no quarry can be hunted.
twinkles
says...
3:09pm Fri 30 Dec 11
Hint - Who makes the laws? And who then takes advantage of the situation? One and the same.
I hope one day the only form of hunting allowed is human hunting, and then you people can put your money where your mouth is. How many of 'the hunt' (again, small 'c') would be willing to actually be the quarry? Wonder what it feels like to be run to your death, for miles upon miles with blood gushing from your feet and lungs, then be 'humanely disposed of' at the end of it?
You disgust me.
Nooptions
says...
3:49pm Fri 30 Dec 11
The government make the laws and the house of commons were the ones that put forward the law banning hunting a live animal with hounds other than in certain specific situations. This then presumably passed through the house of lords -why would they do that if they were looking to take advantage? Why pass the law in the first place?
Not actually aware of any MP's or Lords I've hunted with btw.
Interesting that you would allow certain humans to be hunted, again an insult thrown in, nice, some do become the quarry, though this is with the various bloodhound packs, the comment about 'blood gushing from feet and lungs' and being 'run to your death for miles upon miles' what do you base these observations on? Nowadays post ban the hounds are 'hunting' a quad bike or mounted follower towing a rag soaked in fox urine, as for humane disposal would be a bit harsh to dispose of the rider of horse or quad whether humanely or not.
Those like myself who do not ride either enjoy watching the hounds work and the spectacle of it all.
There and not one insult, you don't disgust me, I appreciate and understand that others people have different views to me, you do however let yourself down by resorting to these insults.
Dick Turpin Works For Council
says...
3:50pm Fri 30 Dec 11
However, I'm afraid that to call the hunting fraternity "paedophiles" is rather pathetic really. Paedophiles are people with an unhealthy interest in kids, hunting people chase after mammals with dogs, just in case you've got your definitions blurred, Hugo101.
Also to turn this into a double-barrelled-nam
e-class-war, when in fact most hunting supporters are Smith or Jones or Brown etc, is really losing the argument, Twinkles!
Nooptions
says...
4:07pm Fri 30 Dec 11
I accept that you would support an outright ban and I can clearly see that many on here are against hunting, that is their prerogative. My issue is more with the many in the anti-hunt lobby who seem to be more against 'the upper classes' than the actual act of hunting and this shows a massive misunderstanding which you have rightly acknowledged, also there seems to be an automatic reaction of being rude and abusive about those who have an alternative view (i.e. are pro-hunt), one wonders if they react to hunt people face-to-face in this manner and if they do perhaps they get treated in a like-manner back then use this as justification that hunt people are rude and arrogant??
Anyway, I am now off to Devon where I will be staying with friends and no doubt attending a meet of the hounds tomorrow, Happy New Year to you all.
MBR Extreme
says...
5:11pm Fri 30 Dec 11
Nooptions wrote:Sad really arnt you maybe you arnt posh but you do look like posh pr1cks. if hunting does come back on the quantocks i hope you fall off your horse (with help) and suffer yourselve like the foxes. why not do real sport one where noses are not pointing towards the sky. murderers.
Dick Turpin: The Hunting Act was a very poorly thought out piece of legislation and difficult, if not impossible, law to administer.
I accept that you would support an outright ban and I can clearly see that many on here are against hunting, that is their prerogative. My issue is more with the many in the anti-hunt lobby who seem to be more against 'the upper classes' than the actual act of hunting and this shows a massive misunderstanding which you have rightly acknowledged, also there seems to be an automatic reaction of being rude and abusive about those who have an alternative view (i.e. are pro-hunt), one wonders if they react to hunt people face-to-face in this manner and if they do perhaps they get treated in a like-manner back then use this as justification that hunt people are rude and arrogant??
Anyway, I am now off to Devon where I will be staying with friends and no doubt attending a meet of the hounds tomorrow, Happy New Year to you all.
Nooptions
says...
5:35pm Fri 30 Dec 11
MBR Extreme wrote:MBR Extreme: No not sad, very happy in fact and I like most people, regardless of their standing in the community, rather than go about with a large chip on my shoulder as some appear to. Class does not make anyone inherently good or bad it is attitude which does that, some have a bad one.
Nooptions wrote: Dick Turpin: The Hunting Act was a very poorly thought out piece of legislation and difficult, if not impossible, law to administer. I accept that you would support an outright ban and I can clearly see that many on here are against hunting, that is their prerogative. My issue is more with the many in the anti-hunt lobby who seem to be more against 'the upper classes' than the actual act of hunting and this shows a massive misunderstanding which you have rightly acknowledged, also there seems to be an automatic reaction of being rude and abusive about those who have an alternative view (i.e. are pro-hunt), one wonders if they react to hunt people face-to-face in this manner and if they do perhaps they get treated in a like-manner back then use this as justification that hunt people are rude and arrogant?? Anyway, I am now off to Devon where I will be staying with friends and no doubt attending a meet of the hounds tomorrow, Happy New Year to you all.Sad really arnt you maybe you arnt posh but you do look like posh pr1cks. if hunting does come back on the quantocks i hope you fall off your horse (with help) and suffer yourselve like the foxes. why not do real sport one where noses are not pointing towards the sky. murderers.
I do have a very working class background but I went to school and learned how to spell, use grammar and everything, so giving myself better prospects!
As for doing 'real sport', what did you have in mind, have played at county and national level in a couple what you might call 'real sports' i.e. Rugby and football, oh and if you read posts rather than reacting without doing so you'd note I don't ride so falling off it is unlikely, whether assisted or not.
You don't spend a lot of time on the hills either I guess?
TechnoCat
says...
6:56pm Fri 30 Dec 11
Nooptions wrote:Surely there is nothing more pathetic than a working-class snob???. Does being a "hunter" make you feel superior???. Why don"t you get a life???. Why are you arrogant Nazis of the Hunt leaving it all to a skivvy to voice their half-baked reasonings?.
MBR Extreme wrote:MBR Extreme: No not sad, very happy in fact and I like most people, regardless of their standing in the community, rather than go about with a large chip on my shoulder as some appear to. Class does not make anyone inherently good or bad it is attitude which does that, some have a bad one.
Nooptions wrote: Dick Turpin: The Hunting Act was a very poorly thought out piece of legislation and difficult, if not impossible, law to administer. I accept that you would support an outright ban and I can clearly see that many on here are against hunting, that is their prerogative. My issue is more with the many in the anti-hunt lobby who seem to be more against 'the upper classes' than the actual act of hunting and this shows a massive misunderstanding which you have rightly acknowledged, also there seems to be an automatic reaction of being rude and abusive about those who have an alternative view (i.e. are pro-hunt), one wonders if they react to hunt people face-to-face in this manner and if they do perhaps they get treated in a like-manner back then use this as justification that hunt people are rude and arrogant?? Anyway, I am now off to Devon where I will be staying with friends and no doubt attending a meet of the hounds tomorrow, Happy New Year to you all.Sad really arnt you maybe you arnt posh but you do look like posh pr1cks. if hunting does come back on the quantocks i hope you fall off your horse (with help) and suffer yourselve like the foxes. why not do real sport one where noses are not pointing towards the sky. murderers.
I do have a very working class background but I went to school and learned how to spell, use grammar and everything, so giving myself better prospects!
As for doing 'real sport', what did you have in mind, have played at county and national level in a couple what you might call 'real sports' i.e. Rugby and football, oh and if you read posts rather than reacting without doing so you'd note I don't ride so falling off it is unlikely, whether assisted or not.
You don't spend a lot of time on the hills either I guess?
MBR Extreme
says...
6:56pm Fri 30 Dec 11
TechnoCat
says...
7:02pm Fri 30 Dec 11
TechnoCat
says...
7:05pm Fri 30 Dec 11
Nooptions
says...
8:33pm Fri 30 Dec 11
TechnoCat wrote:Paedophile, snob, nazi (who carried out vivisection and hunted humans btw), Butlins Red Coat friends, a skivvy, oh dear, oh dear, what a hornets nest I've stirred up.
Nooptions wrote:Surely there is nothing more pathetic than a working-class snob???. Does being a "hunter" make you feel superior???. Why don"t you get a life???. Why are you arrogant Nazis of the Hunt leaving it all to a skivvy to voice their half-baked reasonings?.MBR Extreme wrote:MBR Extreme: No not sad, very happy in fact and I like most people, regardless of their standing in the community, rather than go about with a large chip on my shoulder as some appear to. Class does not make anyone inherently good or bad it is attitude which does that, some have a bad one. I do have a very working class background but I went to school and learned how to spell, use grammar and everything, so giving myself better prospects! As for doing 'real sport', what did you have in mind, have played at county and national level in a couple what you might call 'real sports' i.e. Rugby and football, oh and if you read posts rather than reacting without doing so you'd note I don't ride so falling off it is unlikely, whether assisted or not. You don't spend a lot of time on the hills either I guess?Nooptions wrote: Dick Turpin: The Hunting Act was a very poorly thought out piece of legislation and difficult, if not impossible, law to administer. I accept that you would support an outright ban and I can clearly see that many on here are against hunting, that is their prerogative. My issue is more with the many in the anti-hunt lobby who seem to be more against 'the upper classes' than the actual act of hunting and this shows a massive misunderstanding which you have rightly acknowledged, also there seems to be an automatic reaction of being rude and abusive about those who have an alternative view (i.e. are pro-hunt), one wonders if they react to hunt people face-to-face in this manner and if they do perhaps they get treated in a like-manner back then use this as justification that hunt people are rude and arrogant?? Anyway, I am now off to Devon where I will be staying with friends and no doubt attending a meet of the hounds tomorrow, Happy New Year to you all.Sad really arnt you maybe you arnt posh but you do look like posh pr1cks. if hunting does come back on the quantocks i hope you fall off your horse (with help) and suffer yourselve like the foxes. why not do real sport one where noses are not pointing towards the sky. murderers.
I provide a view and opinion, you throw insults, is that it, are you (or the majority of you)unable to voice a 'valid', thought out view? Why do expect any more?
Hugo101
says...
10:06pm Fri 30 Dec 11
Trespass, pets and livestock killed is another.
The hunters usually state is best for the fox to be killed by hounds rather by gunshot. However they (DEFRA) plan to kill the badgers by shooting. Are they not using hounds because the badger can't run very fast, so not a good sport.
Its cruel and uncontrolled and belongs in the past. Ramblers, bikers and families like to use the countryside also.
mayrose
says...
8:29am Sat 31 Dec 11
jimee
says...
10:47am Sat 31 Dec 11
Monument
says...
12:10pm Sat 31 Dec 11
http://en.wikipedia.
org/wiki/Godwin's_la
w
awayoflife
says...
2:30pm Sat 31 Dec 11
MBR Extreme
says...
3:49pm Sat 31 Dec 11
awayoflife wrote:if you need to kill foxes do it some other way instead of ripping them apart, You think you own the land and you you think you have more right to be there than everybody else, its a terrible pastime with puffs on horses and 4x4s ripping up lovely countryside, i mean really what sort of stuck up humans are you? and yes as long as you do this Barbaric, murdering, lazy, pastime you will be insulted cant you see how much of a minority you are in? as for saying about getting hammered or doing drugs both of which i hate, teaching kids to rip poor defenceless animals apart is by far worse, your culture, the way you stupidly dress and your attitude makes me sick , hope you never meet me up on the quantocks you bunch of lowlifes.
personally the hunting act should be scrapped, it has been a way of life for many years and away of pest control you ask farmers and poultry owners what they think or even the people that live in city's and the attacks that have happened to baby's while they lie asleep in the rooms and you tell me how you can still think that these little ginger animals are cute and harmless you would be in a different state of mind if these situations every happened to any one of us and how farmers lose so many of their lambs due to foxes and how many poultry are killed every day due to foxes they are nothing but pests and horrible animals that need to be controlled. before the hunting act was in forced there was a less of a chance at the fox being caught and killed but now since the ban you think of how many people own a gun who can go out and shoot the animals at their own leisure and yet may not kill the animal. the people that are saying its so frightening i say to you go to a hunt meet and meet the huntsman and all the supports they are nothing like you make them out to be they are kind well mannered and respected people and people support the hunt to help feed and look after the hounds and horses and go out to see the hounds follow a trail scent that is laid before a meet just to see the hounds work its a lovely part of a tradition so im afraid to say you will never change how people think and believe in hunting and i dont care what you all think if we are scum ect ect but at least its better then going out on the town and getting hammered and ending up in prison or the kids doing drugs and alcohol from an early age hunting is part of the community and a way of life
Dick Turpin Works For Council
says...
5:44pm Sat 31 Dec 11
Monument wrote:I just had to look up Godwins Law. Your point is well made!
Godwin's Law has been achieved so this thread should now be allowed to die.
http://en.wikipedia.
org/wiki/Godwin's_la
w
Dick Turpin Works For Council
says...
5:45pm Sat 31 Dec 11
jimee
says...
9:28pm Sat 31 Dec 11
jimee
says...
9:28pm Sat 31 Dec 11
jimee
says...
9:30pm Sat 31 Dec 11
jimee
says...
9:31pm Sat 31 Dec 11
MBR Extreme
says...
10:35pm Sat 31 Dec 11
jimee wrote:****, ****, ****, boring wimp. Pmsl.
Dear 'o' dear MBR Extreme....firstly you don't sound very extreme but rather someone who thinks hiding behind a computer and calling silly names is clever. There have been some good points made on the thread by supporters of both sides...sadly you let down those against hunting with that childish attitude.
creecher
says...
9:21am Sun 1 Jan 12
mayrose
says...
9:45am Sun 1 Jan 12
creecher
says...
2:31pm Sun 1 Jan 12
mayrose wrote:Who's asked you to go and take a look at a hunt?
why would i ever want to go to a hunt to take a look around? its a frightening spectacle end of! would you tell the soldier in iraq dont be afraid of the bombs go into the taliban camp and meet them, look at their kit and see what goes on..... muppet!
mayrose
says...
2:54pm Sun 1 Jan 12
jimee
says...
7:43pm Sun 1 Jan 12
MBR Extreme wrote:As i said ;)
jimee wrote:****, ****, ****, boring wimp. Pmsl.
Dear 'o' dear MBR Extreme....firstly you don't sound very extreme but rather someone who thinks hiding behind a computer and calling silly names is clever. There have been some good points made on the thread by supporters of both sides...sadly you let down those against hunting with that childish attitude.
MBR Extreme
says...
9:24am Mon 2 Jan 12
Nooptions
says...
4:32pm Tue 3 Jan 12
There has indeed been some interesting comments on both sides of the debate, one or two have made me reconsider and challenge some of my own views, other people however, have amazed me with the tiny amount of intellect they can squeeze out of such a large human brain.
Monument says...
4:31pm Wed 28 Dec 11