ON Boxing Day this year, several hundred thousand people went to watch their local hunt.
However, hunting finds itself in the public and political spotlight once more.
The Government has recently introduced legislative proposals that would ban some forms of hunting, regulate or license others and leave some untouched. It's a worrying time for all involved.
The hunting community realises that its activities must be open and accountable and command public confidence.
Further, it believes that the only way of resolving this issue is on the basis of evidence and principle.
Sadly, some of the proposals before Parliament do not meet these reasonable criteria.
Hunting's a normal activity engaged in by several hundred thousand ordinary men and women.
Making it a criminal offence is not the answer to this long-running saga and would benefit no one.
SIMON HART,
Director,
Campaign for Hunting.
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