6 MR L Spiteri is correct in stating that hunting foxes with hounds is not efficient but he falls into the trap of "hunt speak" when he believes that foxes need controlling, (You Say, December 9).

One of the main reasons for hunting surviving for so long is that the bloodsports brigade have beguiled the public into thinking they are a vital "pest" control service.

In fact, their vile and vicious sport is nothing more than entertainment for those into social climbing; the "Big Whigs" in the Countryside Alliance being mainly from a professional background, that is estate agents, property developers and lawyers.

There is now documented evidence that the hunts across the country build homes for breeding and feeding foxes so they can participate in their odious sport. It is pointless to take a fox out by whatever means as vacated territory is soon again occupied.

Those in the hunt fraternity should heed the wise words of David Attenborough that, if land owners really understood the value of foxes to their land, then they would not be so willing to support those with guns, dogs and spades.

A KNITTEL, Worcester.