Letter: Fox hunts akin to witch-burning
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.Sir: Richard D North's attempt to defend fox-hunting, which he admits is "irrational" (23 January), in no way lessens my objections to this so-called sport. No civilised society should condone anything which deliberately promotes delight in death, be it human or animal. I recognise that some wild herds have to be culled and that farmers have the right to protect their stock from predators, but this should be done professionally by a cold-eyed, licensed farmer or marksman.
Like many others, I find the sight of huntsmen sipping from the stirrup cup before setting off, giving gleeful shouts as they pursue a lone, defenceless animal, often attending a merry hunt ball afterwards, utterly repulsive. It is akin to the primitive instincts which made a ghoulish public flock to the burning of witches and public hangings.
BRIAN ROBERTS
Frome, Somerset
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments