Tally-ho tally up

Mar 2 2008 by Phil Doherty, Sunday Sun

THE number of people attending hunts in the North has increased since fox-hunting was banned by the Government.

At the same time, the membership of anti-hunt group the League Against Cruel Sports has plummeted by around 20 per cent.

When the controversial ban was introduced three years ago, many thought it would spell the end for such country pursuits and the businesses which relied on them.

But hunt bosses claim the publicity around the ban has actually stimulated interest.

Mark Shotton, master of the South Durham Hunt said: “There have been a lot more people coming out and supporting the hunts since the ban.

“At the time, we did not think this would happen but it has. All the publicity has seen people come along to find out what the fuss is about . . . and they have found it’s not like it has been portrayed.

“This has led to more and more people supporting us and rallying to the cause.”

Barry Hugill, spokesman for the League Against Cruel Sports, revealed that its membership had fallen from 5500 to 4500 . . . before saying he was not surprised that hunts were still going strong.

He said: “They came out with a great many horror stories before the ban and they were attempting to scare people.

“The reason why more people than ever are supporting the hunts is because they have removed the cruelty by going drag hunting rather than killing foxes and stags.”

But according to Simon Hart, of the Countryside Alliance, one of the main reasons people are flocking to support the hunts is because the anti-hunt legislation has put the sport firmly in the spotlight.

He also believes that people are joining because they don’t like being told what to do by the Government.

Mr Hart said: “Some people have joined out of solidarity while others, who might once have been quite hostile, have joined because they don’t like a Government telling them what to do and being heavy-handed.

“Although before the hunt ban there was a feeling this could have a negative effect on the countryside, it has not had the effect predicted. This is because people are waiting for a change of Government and an overturning of the ban.

“This means that farriers, feed merchants and others working in areas connected to hunting are still carrying on. But if the ban isn’t overturned then all these will fade away.”

Mr Hugill, however, commented: “If business is stronger than ever because of the ban why are they wanting to change the law and reintroduce the cruelty?”