THE Boxing Day meet of the Worcestershire Hunt, in Droitwich, provided proof yet again that the so-called "animal rights" fraternity have no interest whatsoever in animal welfare.

Their main reason for attending the meet appears to be for hurling abuse at the hunt followers.

Unfortunately, along with this also comes a callous disregard for safety of both horses and hounds.

This year, the anti-hunt protesters were specifically asked to avoid causing distress to the animals. They took no notice of this request.

By shouting, using a loud hailer and blasting music from an amplifier directly at the animals, along with waving placards and throwing liquid, this obviously caused tremendous anxiety to the horses as they tried to walk along the road.

The potential for a frightened horse to injure itself or other horses and hounds is obvious to everyone.

Unfortunately, this doesn't seem to be a good enough reason for these "animal lovers" to be quiet for the brief moment it takes the horses to pass them by.

The anti-hunt movement are entitled to campaign for their beliefs, but they should be ashamed of these latest tactics which risk serious injury to any horse or hound that gets in their way.

JON BURGESS,

Malvern.