RENDEL DELIGHTED BY RESPONSIBLE HUNTING

3.05.47pm UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 21st Feb 2005

Local MP, David Rendel, has expressed his delight at the way so many hunts, including local hunts in West Berkshire, have taken up drag hunting since the ban on fox hunting came into effect.

"The sensible and responsible decision taken by hunt organisers to change their hunts into drag hunts means that the real benefits of hunting can remain. For example the riders will be able to continue to enjoy their horse-riding, the spectators can continue to enjoy the spectacle of the hunt, and all those employed in hunting can keep their jobs. Moreover, the fact that I now expect all the hunts to continue in being means that support for Point-to-Point racing will continue and any threat to National Hunt racing has therefore now been removed.

"The attitude which hunting people have very sensibly taken to this Bill leaves us in a win-win situation. All aspects of hunting can continue except the cruelty involved in hounds chasing a fox and then tearing it to pieces."