Many traditions should be nurtured, however any tradition (be it it classist or religious based) that encourages cruelty should be forced into extinction. This includes scent trail bating, as this is often used as a smoke screen for real hunting and many foxes are killed by poorly disiplined dogs accidentally. The following information was taken from the North West League Against Cruel Sports website.
In an average
fox hunting season:
Foxes killed: 15,000 (36% by digging up by terriermen)
Humans killed (in accidents): 3
Pups and hounds killed: 6,000
Veterinary fees for horses: %uFFFD15 million
Injuries to hounds: 1,000
Injuries to those on foot (including sabs): 500
Total blood spilled: 1 ton plus
Policing costs (paid by taxpayers): Over %uFFFD1 million.
Please consider this subject when casting your vote in the UK general election if you are a UK resident.
