| Jim Webster 2008-02-20, 9:25 am |
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"( _ /)" <00000@derty.com> wrote in message
news:gktnr3hv1430mvs9gspj4lv127krse16db@4ax.com...
> Third anniversary of the ban on hunting with dogs!
>
http://tinyurl.com/2zkljb
Anti-foxhunting campaign is ban's real victim
By Jasper Copping
Last Updated: 11:49pm GMT 16/02/2008
When the hunting law was introduced, it was feared or feted as the end of a
country sport. Now, three years later, it appears to have left the pursuit's
opponents deeply wounded, while hunting goes from strength to strength.
In pictures: Three years on, the hunt continues
Crufts turns 'all teeth and hair'
The number of protesters has fallen by almost two-thirds despite claims that
hunts are routinely breaking the law, and reports that more foxes are being
killed now than before the Hunting Act was signed into law.
Figures released by the Countryside Alliance (CA) ahead of the Act's third
anniversary tomorrow show that protester numbers have fallen to just 678
this season, with only three weekends still to run.
Over the same period, the hunts themselves have enjoyed a remarkable
renaissance, with record numbers of people taking part.
With anti-hunt activists also admitting that they are facing problems
recruiting people, the news will strengthen calls for the Act to be repealed
and will also embarrass the Government.
Tim Bonner, from the CA, said: "The anti movement has run out of steam. This
shows up the myth that there is a vast anti-hunting movement. Instead, there
is only a tiny and dwindling number of hardcore activists left who will
never be won over."
This season has so far seen 84 hunts targeted by a total of 678 protesters.
During the 2003-04 season - the last before the Act was introduced - there
were 196 hunts and 1,924 protesters.
In the years leading up to the ban, groups of saboteurs numbering in the
hundreds were common.
More than 500 protesters threw eggs and other missiles at the Essex Farmers
and Union meet at Maldon on Boxing Day in 2000.
In one particularly brutal encounter in 1997, 120 saboteurs attacked the
Hursley Hambledon Hunt near Warnford in Hampshire, wielding baseball bats
and smashing car windscreens. Three hunt supporters needed hospital
treatment while 44 protesters were arrested.
Lee Moon, from the Hunt Saboteurs Association, would not reveal exactly how
many members his organisation had, but admitted: "There has been a drop-off.
"We know the hunts are killing foxes against the law, week in, week out. But
when we try and recruit new members, the public's perception is that fox
hunting has been banned. We face a struggle to get the message out there."
Meanwhile, the League Against Cruel Sports, which spearheaded the
introduction of the Hunting Act, is selling its £1.2?million offices in
central London and seeking cheaper premises.
However, Barry Hugill, its spokesman, said: "The league is not as active as
before the ban, but if there was an attempt to repeal it, money would flood
in and people would sign up. Our support is dormant."
Mr Hugill was unable to say exactly how many members the League had, but
stated it was between 5,000 and 10,000. In the 1990s, it had 18,000.
When the Act came into force in February 2005, supporters and opponents of
the legislation were united in the belief that it would kill off the sport.
In fact, it has been given a new lease of life, with 68,000 followers
hunting by using various exemptions under the law.
Many now take part in drag hunts, where riders and hounds pursue a scented
rag, or in trail hunts which involve following a scent trail.
It is still permissible to kill foxes if the dogs stumble upon them
accidentally, and they can still be driven out of hiding and shot as long as
no more than two hounds are involved. Dogs can also be used to flush out a
fox so it can be hunted by a bird of prey.
Jim Barrington is a former director of the League Against Cruel Sports who
has now changed sides and campaigns for licensed hunting on behalf of the
Middle Way Group of MPs.
He said: "The hunt supporters have been pleasantly surprised by the
legislation while the antis are realising it hasn't turned out as they
expected.
"The league is in a difficult position because it drafted the law, and even
though it isn't working, it has to say it is. And that is not a message that
is going to encourage people to continue supporting it."
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