I was utterly sickened to read one of your major articles in your publication Limited Edition (Winter 2003) under the heading "heritage". The "finest of all shooting sports" is under threat. On the first of the two-page spread was an inset of a beautiful pheasant innocently standing in a patch of greenery. In the corner of the same page was a photograph of a man with dog, gun, and two dead birds in his hand. Oh, a job well done.

Chris Martin,

Marshall Close, Hereford

Oh, dear! I see letters correspondent Jacqueline Greaves continues to be an unfortunate victim of the Government spin machine, which is seeking to divert the public's attention away from the education system, the state of the NHS and care of the elderly to fox hunting. If the Parliamentary time that a small number of vociferous back-benchers have ensured has been spent on this topic had been devoted to more pressing issues, we might have actually witnessed some improvements to life in general, rather than the reverse.

Gillian Herbert

Linley Green

Iwas very pleased to host a Meet of the Radnor and West Herefordshire hounds recently. It was a beautiful Autumn day with about 50 on horseback and perhaps twice as many on foot, a wonderful British scene. I do not hunt, but I know that the hunt provides a service by disposing of my dead animals. I know that the foxes are being controlled and I know that many jobs are sustained. I know that many that go hunting learn about the countryside, care about it and look after it.

Tony Norman

The Leen, Pembridge

The pro-hunting lobby does not speak for everyone who lives in the country or the county. They have only been concerned about human rights since hunting has come under threat. The sight of them parading around because their liberty is under threat would be laughable if it wasn't ironic.

D. REES

Dunoon Mead,

Hereford

People accuse the hunters of encouraging civil disobedience by giving notice of intent to break a law not yet enacted. But many of those self -same people, often with the encouragement or support of passengers, consciously break speed limits, at the cost of maiming and killing thousands of wild creatures (with foxes high on the list).

Reintroduction of the wolf, which is the natural imposer of creative tension upon both fox and deer - what we might call the "alpha member" of the trio - is impractical. In its absence, hunting is the only activity that comes even faintly close to providing the exposure to hazard and the dispersal mechanism that are essential to the health of both populations. In embracing the cause of animal rights, I prefer to think of it as species rights.

Charles Drury,

Director,... for wildness' sake

Skyrrid Farm, Pontrilas

I would like to know how the figure of 59% was reached when polling the public reference a ban on hunting. Who was asked I would like to know? I am neither for nor against the so-called sport but it beggars belief that all of a sudden there seems to be a clear majority of the public not in favour of a ban. Also we are informed the reason placards publicising such facts are allowed to be displayed around the countryside is because councils can do nothing to stop them. Any other organisation than the Countryside Alliance supporters putting up these 'blights on the landscape' would soon be told to take them down.

D. LEATHERHEAD,

Overbury Road, Hereford

Although I have not had the opportunity to follow the hunt for many years, I was always made most welcome and on the two occasions that I participated I fell off, but still enjoyed the experience. Hunting, as letters correspondent Miranda Lee stated, is a lawful pursuit, which I have no wish to see made illegal, even though a Labour voter. It would have been much more sensible to see some form of licensing, if any regulation was needed.

PETER RAWLINGS,

Hoarwithy Road,

Hereford

It is claimed that hunting is an enjoyable and all-inclusive sport. Hardly! A horse is probably one of the most expensive pets to keep, involving vet fees, farriery costs, suitable paddock, stable, riding gear and insurance . Further expenses are incurred in hunting (such as the purchase of a horse box, running a vehicle to tow it). Very few people can afford the luxury of keeping a Hunter - so hunting can hardly be described as 'inclusive'.

MARK BLACKMAN

Gellatly Road, London

Thank goodness that there are some people who still have the courage of their convictions to stick up eye-catching posters or follow hunts, if that is what they believe in. The stifling hand of corporate control and Brussels diktats so eagerly lapped up by our spineless leaders is turning our nation into one stodgy "Euroblob". Long Live Diversity - Vive la difference!

Andrew Meek

Lower Stephlands Cottage

Foy

I enjoy hunting because it gives me an opportunity to be in countryside not normally available to the public and the opportunity to watch the natural battle of wits and skill between hound and fox/hare/deer, just like the interest shown when watching wildlife programmes on television - only for real. The Government manifesto did not promise a ban on hunting but an opportunity for Parliament to resolve the issue.

Jonathan Jackson,

Hephill, Lugwardine

May I ask those hunters who have so vociferously defended their blood sports in your paper recently, if they also support the activity of 'cubbing' which takes place during August to October, not so much publicised. In early morning hours groups of hunters surround woods and drive out young fox cubs which are then chased and torn apart by inexperienced hounds as training for future kills.

BETTY COTTON,

Roddhurst,

Presteigne