by Rebecca K.

Created on: August 06, 2009

Was the British government right to ban foxhunting? I am going to say no. As an English rider and fan of tradition, I think fox hunting should be allowed to continue in the UK. There should be stipulations to ensure that fox populations are not dwindling to a low number as result, but as long as they are in good enough numbers, the hunt should go on. It is not any different than other types of hunting like deer or duck. Only difference is there are horses and hounds.

Animal activists have ruined many traditions. PETA for instance doesn't think a horse should even be ridden or pull a wagon. Fishing is cruel, keeping aquarium fish is cruel- get over it people. Hunting is a part of human nature and tradition, just because you don't like it doesn't mean everyone should stop what they're doing. If you don't agree with it, don't participate and don't watch- simple as that.

Getting back to tradition. Fox hunting is steeped in legacy. A big group of friends and sportsmen would get together on their finest horses and wear their pink coats (they're actually red, but are called pink). The hunt leader blows a small horn to signal the riders and hounds. The hunt party then charges over hill, valley and fences after the fox with the hounds barking in excitement. Sure the actual part of the hounds getting the fox is not so pretty, but the foxes were probably hunted in the past for causing trouble on the estate, perhaps in the chicken house.

There are other types of hunts that simulate a real fox hunt such as a drag hunt. This is when fox scent is spread along a trail and the hounds simply follow that instead of the real thing. Another even is called a hunter pace or paper chase. This is a timed event with no dogs, when you complete a certain mile trail over fences/not and who ever has the ideal time wins. While these variations are fun for the average rider like myself, I still do not feel we have a right to shut-down a longstanding tradition in the UK. Once they get rid of fox hunting it's a slippery slope, next thing you know there'll be no more horse racing or show jumping because it's "cruel." Equestrians and other sportsmen should not let others dictate their choice of recreation. PETA needs to mind their own business, after all some of them wear leather shoes and belts.

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