Time for Tories to fulfil vote pledge on hunting

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Wednesday, July 07, 2010
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This is Derbyshire

MR Coleman "Call for a fox cull knee-jerk reaction", (Opinion, June 21) insists foxes have a "right to live".

I suspect this is a new concept in law. But even if they have a right to live, they don't have a right to forage in urban dustbins and babies' cots.

The fact is, in our modern environment, many species need to be managed, whether rats, pigeons or grey squirrels – or disease-causing bacteria. Until the iniquitous Hunting Act, passed by the Labour government, a fairly good balance on foxes was maintained.

But now, in rural areas it is necessary to cull foxes by less humane methods (hunting with hounds is the only culling method that never leaves a fox to a slow death). So foxes are proliferating in urban areas (partly as a result of fortnightly bin collections).

At the last election, Conservatives stood on a pledge to hold a free vote on repealing the Hunting Act. And about time too.

Roger Helmer MEP

Conservative, East Midlands

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7 Comments

  • Profile image for This is Derbyshire

    by Fox Mulder, Somewhere else

    Friday, July 16 2010, 11:51PM

    “Norman,
    Chemtrail conspiracy theorists believe that some contrails, which consist of ice crystals or water vapour condensed behind aircraft, actually result from chemicals or biological agents being deliberately sprayed at high altitude for some undisclosed purpose. The staple of right-wing radio shows in the US, there is fevered speculation that the chemicals being sprayed are part of a wider plot that involves the so-called New World Order and is being directed by shadowy forces within the government. The existence of chemtrails has been repeatedly denied by federal agencies and scientists.”

  • Profile image for This is Derbyshire

    by Chris, Derby

    Wednesday, July 07 2010, 10:36PM

    “Any excuse to toture a wild animal! There is more live film footage of foxes being torn limb from limb by a pack of hounds than I dare even consider. The evidence is overwhelming that foxes do suffer the cruelist of deaths as victims of a fox hunt.
    Badgers are being blamed for TB in cattle, yet TB exists in areas where no badgers have been found!
    A free vote would more than likely end up with a better organised ban on hunting.
    I think this letter is nothing more than a load of tripe by an out of touch politician.”

  • Profile image for This is Derbyshire

    by Geoff, littleover

    Wednesday, July 07 2010, 2:50PM

    “Whatever you're views on hunting with hounds, don't hold you're breath until this is given parliamentary time, followed by the promised free vote. The new government have a few things to consider, that are a bit more important. Such as the biggest national debt in history and a huge task to bring some stability to Afghanistan.”

  • Profile image for This is Derbyshire

    by Norman, Derby

    Wednesday, July 07 2010, 2:15PM

    “On the subject of 'culling and controlling' animals, why are MPs who promise to investigate the high altitude spraying of toxic chemicals over densely populated areas of the UK being gagged ? .. If you're interested in finding out more about this, google 'Chemtrails' and you'll be shocked !”

  • Profile image for This is Derbyshire

    by curious reader, spondon, derby

    Wednesday, July 07 2010, 10:29AM

    “Ah!! I hear the sound of barking again it must be Roger Helmer spouting his nonsense. I have no love for foxes and regard them as vermin. What I do object to is the hunting by hounds and by on horse. The rituals of dresing up to chase and destroy a wild creature is abhorant to me when other suitable and more humane methods are available. Take away the fancy dress and stirup cups etc and it loses its appeal to some of the participants.
    To borrow a quote from Oscar Wilde Foxhunting... the unspeakable pursuing the inedible.”

  • Profile image for This is Derbyshire

    by Red, Somewhere

    Wednesday, July 07 2010, 10:09AM

    “I recommend that every reader goes to Brian May's http://www.save-me.org.uk/ site and read the many, many explanations of why Roger Helmer is talking complete and utter nonsense again.

    The statement:

    "hunting with hounds is the only culling method that never leaves a fox to a slow death"

    is totally, cruelly FALSE.”

  • Profile image for This is Derbyshire

    by Tony, derby

    Wednesday, July 07 2010, 9:20AM

    “serve all urban foxes with an ASBO limiting them to the countryside
    Seems to be the answer for the rest of our urban pests”

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