Should the Ban on Fox Hunting Be Lifted?

Profile image for Endsleighdale

By Endsleighdale | Friday, May 21, 2010, 23:57

The Conservative Party promised to hold a free vote on the

hunting bill were they to come to power. The main talking point now is whether

or not this vote will happen and if Members of Parliament will vote to lift the

ban.

What do you think about the matter?

The argument on the side of the Conservatives, as David Cameron

voiced on a radio interview with the BBC, is that current methods of

controlling the fox population are “very cruel” and with numerous cases involving

“gassing and shooting and trapping and snaring”. Fox hunting is often pushed as

a less cruel method of controlling the fox population than other methods used by

some farmers.

Fox hunting has been a British traditional for a long time and

evidence of that can still be seen in and around Corsham. In the village of

Gastard, just outside of the main town, is Gastard Manor with the house’s tower

stretching upwards to view across the surrounding countryside and the Ridge at

Neston which slowly dips into the valley towards Melksham.

According to locals, the previous occupant of the manor

(believed to be a retired London Mayor) used to watch the hunt pass from the tower of his home. If anyone

can confirm this or has more information on it, I’d be very interested to find

out.

How do you feel about the thought of fox hunting returning to

the countryside? Do you think it’s a possibility? 

      

Comments

       
  • Profile image for CorshamTowny

    @BabzB said

    it doesn't matter how much anyone else suffers

    Hmmm!

    Who are you referring to here that is suffering? You seem to be confusing humanity with vermin. I said I was a libertarian and that means not causing harm to others (i.e. humans) so I would not approve of sending boys up chimneys or slavery.

    On a hot and sticky nights I do leave the windows open as I suspect you do as well. With regard to security, with most types of window (e.g. casement or sash) it doesn't matter whether it is only open a little or lot as anyone wanting access can lift the catch.

    I lived in London for 20 years and never saw a fox once so again I am not really surprised that the family didn't realize that there was a danger from that quarter.

    By CorshamTowny at 18:25 on 07/06/10

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  • Profile image for BabzB

    So in other words as long as you're alright jack it doesn't matter how much anyone else suffers as long as everyone has the right to inflict that suffering if they want to? By that attitude we'd still have slavery and little boys going up chimneys. I still think it was irresponsible to leave a window open and free access to the house, do you mean to say you'd do the same, remember if a human head fits through a gap the body can follow, it could so easily have been a person. I've had my share of broken sleep, years of it in fact, and have felt like I could sleep on the proverbial clothesline, but I've made damn sure my family was safe and my house was secure before I've conked out.

    By BabzB at 18:06 on 07/06/10

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  • Profile image for CorshamTowny

    @BabzB

    As I read it the parents left the bedroom window open (not a door) as it was a hot and sticky night remember. I am the father of twins myself and I know that after nine months of getting up every few hours to share the feeding burden one sleeps quite soundly given the chance so I am not surprised they didn't hear anything.

    There is nothing humane about traps or poison and yes you are right that it is a blood sport as well as being good countryside husbandry. You might find that distasteful as do I, but unlike you I am a libertarian and do not believe I have the right to object, let alone ban, anything that does not harm me or my kinfolk.

    By CorshamTowny at 17:48 on 07/06/10

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  • Profile image for BabzB

    Yes I've read about the alleged attack by the fox. I'd like to know A) why the door was left open going against all common sense, a fox supposedly got in but it could have been a kidnapper, a murderer or a burglar B) where the person was who was supposedly in charge of the children and C) if the family own a dog themselves. If they were my children I'd be bitterly ashamed to have allowed it to happen. Fox hunting is not about controlling "vermin", that can be done humanely if necessary, it's all about "sport" and having a good day out watching animals killed for fun. So again I say NO, the hunting ban should not be lifted, not now, not ever.

    By BabzB at 17:35 on 07/06/10

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  • Profile image for CorshamTowny

    @BabzB

    Perhaps you have read today about the urban fox in London that got into the bedroom where twin 9 month old babies were asleep and mauled them both, savaging one of them in the face. Foxes are a vermin. Like rats their numbers need to be controlled, but I suppose you are anti extermination of rat populations as it probably gives the little furry loves an awful belly ache before they keel over dead.

    I don't think the coalition government is yet committed to repealing this god awful legislation more's the pity.

    By CorshamTowny at 17:21 on 07/06/10

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