Letters: Hunt for arguments

Hunt for arguments

Sir: I have heard many strange arguments in favour of hunting with hounds. The latest is that the joy of hunting is the only reason that impoverished small farmers bother to stay in the countryside (Terence Blacker, 28 September). The countryside has many problems, most of which are economic. The intensification of agriculture, encouraged by ill-thought-out subsidies, has led to a massive drop in rural employment. Young people have moved to towns for work, and shops, pubs and other amenities have disappeared. It is absurd to suggest that hunting can solve this problem.

RICHARD MOUNTFORD

Animal Aid, Tonbridge, Kent