Letter: No justification for deer hunt
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.I Can hardly believe now that 40 years ago I was a committed member of the New Forest Buckhounds, chasing deer enthusiastically across woodland and heath. The other day out walking my dog in the same area, I was overtaken by a large buck in the last stages of exhaustion. His head was hanging down, his tongue hanging out, his eyes bulging, his breath coming in gasps. There was no sign yet of the hunt but he knew they were gaining on him. It was an unforgettably horrible sight.
By then I had talked to members of the Forestry Commission. I had seen the wooden towers from which marksmen keep count of the numbers, ages, and state of health of the deer, shooting the old and the hopelessly infirm. They are guided by an intimate knowledge both of the animals and the environment which supports them. I was told they take no notice of the insignificant number destroyed by the hunt. There is no justification for this cruel sport.
I welcome the decision of the National Trust to ban hunting in the areas they control ("Farmer who is glad to see the last of the hunt", 13 April).
Leslie Allison
Fordingbridge, Hampshire
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments