THE letter from Ben Eaton (You Say, May 23) on coursing is a prime example of what is emanating from so many in the anti-country sports fraternity at present.

His analogy that coursing is like setting a rottweiler on a child is extremely offensive and in very poor taste considering a recent incident were a baby was killed by a pet alsatian dog.

Mr Eaton dismisses the link between coursing and hare conservation but produces no evidence to support his claims. I suggest he reads the scientific study recently published in the highly-respected Nature magazine.

The report clearly demonstrates the huge contribution made by country sports towards conserving our countryside and wildlife.

Mr Eaton writes a very colourful letter, which is littered with clever phrases and indignation, but it is rather light-weight on the subject of practical conservation.

Should Mr Eaton continue this correspondence perhaps he will tell us what he personally bestows on our countryside.

JON BURGESS, Malvern.