Monday, February 21, 2005
FOXHUNTERS OUT IN FORCE
BAN: Foxhunt supporters turn out in force
RECORD numbers of people turned out to see the first Fitzwilliam Hunt since new laws on fox hunting came into force.
More than 1,000 pro-hunt supporters watched about 30 members of the hunt ride out at Milton Park Estate, Bretton, Peterborough, on Saturday.
It was the 300-year-old event's biggest ever turn-out.
Joint Master of the Hunt George Bowyer told the crowds: "I am determined that this will be a temporary ban."This is the latest attempt by this Government to interfere with people in the countryside's way of life. "It is a useless piece of legislation and all it will do is put the police and the crown prosecution services in an impossible position."It is a ridiculous law and it is going to fail. There will be people who decide to act out civil disobedience, and people shall make those decisions on their own."But the Fitzwilliam Hunt respects the new legislation."
The master of the hunt, Sir Philip Naylor-Leyland, then led the riders into the forest, while the gathered crowds cheered and clapped.
Before the ride, he said he was encouraged by the high turn-out.He said: "I am delighted to see so many people here today."This is the largest turn-out I think we have ever seen, and we are delighted that so many people have chosen to come here today to show their support."
Hunters can no longer hunt with dogs after the Government's hunting ban became law on Friday.
Mary Lamont (42), of Careby, near Stamford said: "It is terrible that people who have nothing to do with the countryside interfere in our way of life. "I will continue coming to watch the hunt set off and give my complete support to it."
RECORD numbers of people turned out to see the first Fitzwilliam Hunt since new laws on fox hunting came into force.
More than 1,000 pro-hunt supporters watched about 30 members of the hunt ride out at Milton Park Estate, Bretton, Peterborough, on Saturday.
It was the 300-year-old event's biggest ever turn-out.
Joint Master of the Hunt George Bowyer told the crowds: "I am determined that this will be a temporary ban."This is the latest attempt by this Government to interfere with people in the countryside's way of life. "It is a useless piece of legislation and all it will do is put the police and the crown prosecution services in an impossible position."It is a ridiculous law and it is going to fail. There will be people who decide to act out civil disobedience, and people shall make those decisions on their own."But the Fitzwilliam Hunt respects the new legislation."
The master of the hunt, Sir Philip Naylor-Leyland, then led the riders into the forest, while the gathered crowds cheered and clapped.
Before the ride, he said he was encouraged by the high turn-out.He said: "I am delighted to see so many people here today."This is the largest turn-out I think we have ever seen, and we are delighted that so many people have chosen to come here today to show their support."
Hunters can no longer hunt with dogs after the Government's hunting ban became law on Friday.
Mary Lamont (42), of Careby, near Stamford said: "It is terrible that people who have nothing to do with the countryside interfere in our way of life. "I will continue coming to watch the hunt set off and give my complete support to it."
