Freedom must come before foxes. Sorry about sounding pompous.

You will of course be supporting this freedom by voting for the Conservatives and chaining yourself to the railings along with the 'new' sufragettes and I will be able to come along and continue this argument with you there.

I have studied your argument and it really boils down to - that the hunt should continue - because the hunters like it - and you like to watch it. You should both be permitted this freedom but the fox should be denied its freedom to feed its family - who may all possibly starve as a result of your enjoyment.

All the build-up and hyperbole is coming from the pro-hunt lobby. As many have said - if their argument was simply that they enjoyed dressing-up and riding around the countryside - many would accept this.

But over a long period they have been trapped into trying to justfy it by fox hunting having some effect of fox numbers and the loss of hunting with dogs being the death of the countryside as we know it etc.

Your idea that for the hunters "the POSSIBILITY of the kill is an emotional neccessity," is worrying, especially as the ban is now set to come into force. However, there is some truth in this for some possibly, but most of those involved in the hunt never see a kill or even a fox and drag line hunting would still provide most of the enjoyment that the hunters require and keep the local economy going.

The practical need has long gone - but I agree that there still does seem to be a need for some of us to involve ourselves in some form of hunt. To provide us mainly with the thrill of an uncertain outcome, in pitting our skills (and sometimes our super efficient 21st century weapons) against animals.

This is partly satisfied in most of us now by simply taking photos, keeping lists and treking around to find certain species. The need to stalk our prey is still there but we do not have to kill it, to satisfy this need. Is this not the way forward? Or do we go back to the days when the Roman Games, things like bear and boar baiting and public hangings were thought to be good to watch?

It is only sad that a ban ever needed to be imposed. If certain small sections of our community did not feel that it remained their God-given-right to judge others and never be subject to any judgement themselves - this sad and cruel relic would have died a natural death long ago.