Not being a huntsman, or indeed a countryman, in the sense of actually living there, or of being a farmer, I have not had very strong views for or against hunting with hounds - until now.

I do feel that none of us (man or beast) would like to be hunted and slain by any method. All of us would like to be allowed to live in peace as best we can.

Animals are at the mercy of humans and we have a responsibility to give them a fair hearing, even if they can't talk to us. For this reason animals need our protection and I give the RSPCA a regular monthly donation. I do not expect everyone to do this, and although I claim to be an animal lover, I do not approve of so-called animal rights activists who wreak havoc with medical men or farmers.

When sent a communication from the RSPCA asking me to write to our MP Sir Michael Spicer telling him I was in favour of a ban on hunting, I failed to do so partly because I considered it a waste of time (I felt he wouldn't vote for it anyway) but also because I felt some sympathy for the people such a ban would affect.

Following the disgraceful scenes both inside and outside Westminster and at the Labour Party Conference, by people who claim to be law-abiding citizens, we can now see them in their true colours. Law-abiding only when it suits them.

Toffs or not, they are now reduced to a rabble, or at least some of them are. With the threat of disorderly conduct, the Countryside Alliance is now firmly discredited in my view.

GERALD PERKINS, Hill View Close, Malvern.