Letter: Foxhunting

Sir: Is it not the case that the argument over foxhunting has gone far beyond the issue of animal welfare? A passion to win has been ignited; the opposing view must be defeated, no matter what. I suspect that if irrefutable evidence came to light proving that the fox suffered no more than any other wild animal in the natural world, Mike Foster MP and his fans would choose to ignore the evidence. The scent of victory is in their nostrils and lynch-mob mentality has taken over from reason.

In such circumstances, rational argument gives way to guerrilla tactics. Millions of pounds are spent by both sides in a struggle for supremacy. The cause does not warrant this.

TONY RUSSELL

Stratton Audley, Oxfordshire