Sir, – Philip Donnelly (April 22nd) is unhappy with my likening (April 20th) of illegal deer poaching to legal field sports. I stand over that comparison as I happen to believe that setting 20 or 30 hounds after a fox, to chase the animal until exhaustion delivers it to the pack, is every bit as cruel or inhumane as setting lurchers or other hunting dogs on deer, whether by night or in broad daylight. In both instances an animal is subjected to unnecessary distress and suffering to provide human beings with "sport" or amusement.
I do not accept that hunts should have the same legitimate role in society as GAA, soccer, or boxing. These are wholesome, recreational activities that promote the spirit of competition and fair play.
They are beneficial to those taking part, unlike practices in which animals are pitted against other animals to attack, kill, or inflict grievous injury on them.
As for Mr Donnelly’s criticism of the UK hunting ban’s alleged ineffectiveness, I would argue that this underscores the need to strengthen the ban, not reverse it, as the Conservative party has pledged to do in its manifesto. – Yours, etc,
JOHN FITZGERALD,
Callan,
Co Kilkenny.