The unspeakable in full pursuit of the uneatable (Foxhunting - is this sport?)

Member Name: dancomp

Product:	Foxhunting - is this sport?
Date:	24/10/06 (841 review reads)
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When the ban on fox hunting first came about, the fox-hunting set shed mock tears and wrung their hands as they wailed about what will happen to all those cutesy doggies. What they did'nt bother to point out is that these hounds are bred for one thing and for one thing only. They don't make pets and as a result are put to death en mass after a very short life of about five years after which they're not considered useful. Banning fox hunting stops this conveyor-line of execution. The owners who are oh-so-upset about these animals will no doubt reveal their true colours by shipping them direct to the nearest laboratory.

The argument about pest control is similarly farsical, one man with a lamp, a .22 rifle and a single night free has been proven to be more effective than a dozen hunts, and what's more - with a trained shot, it is more humane into the bargain. But then the pro-hunting lobby are not concerned with what is the most efficient or humane method, they simply want to have a smashing time playing at being barbarians.

A third argument has to do with the loss of livelihood. Well, we are now in the 21st century and masters of hounds and such ilk can go the same way as hangmen. If such people truly care about the countryside half as much as they claim, they can work towards conserving it instead, but then again I am sure it does'nt pay quite so much which is no doubt their real objection.

A final argument is that banning fox hunting is nothing more than "Class warfare". Ah, yes - those poor, put-upon rich folks who complain about interfering "townies" yet whose only real connection with the countryside is when their landrover sport once hit a sheep. I would point out that cock-fighting and badger-baiting were the fox hunting equivalents of the poor, and they certainly went quickly enough. The only reason fox hunting has taken so long so follow is because of the privileged status of those who traditionally enjoy it.

Some might say that there are more important things to sort out than fox hunting and indeed there are, but using this as an excuse to let this ridiculous bloodsport continue is simply that - an excuse. This reasoning leads to fox hunting continuing in perpetuity as there will always be more important things to address....

Summary: Hunters can IMHO fox off....