No thrill in the chase of stag hunting
Kevin Myers seems to think that carted stag hunting is not cruel to deer because the intention is to chase but not kill the deer (November 16).
I would argue that this makes the sport even more cruel and unacceptable than activities in which animals are killed for reasons of food or pest control.
The stags are invariably used as playthings by the hunters.
They are hounded and terrorised for fun, for no other reason than to give a cheap thrill to a bunch of tin-pot aristocrats and social climbers decked out in fancy dress.
The widely acclaimed Bateson report in the United Kingdom led to a stag hunting ban on National Trust land.
That was even before the blanket abolition of baiting with hounds proved beyond any shadow of a doubt that hunted deer undergo an unacceptable level of stress and suffering when chased by packs of hounds.
This is a fact that common sense has dictated to be the case for many centuries.
So Kevin's contention that the stags take it all in their stride is utter nonsense.
Equally unfounded is his notion that supporting the Ward Union hunt would be a great vote-getter for the Government.
A recent opinion poll by a Co Meath newspaper showed that a two-thirds majority in the county favoured a ban on stag hunting.
And, not surprisingly, apart from objections on animal welfare grounds many farmers have banned the stag hunters from their property to safeguard crops and livestock.
Kevin describes the stag hunt as a green "organisation" that is in tune with nature.
I would suggest that an activity that causes immense suffering to an animal has no conservation or pest control value.
Also it is inimical to the wellbeing of the farming community.
It is no more an environmentally friendly practice than the burning of toxic waste in the open or the wilful pollution of our waterways.
Carted stag hunting is not even a light shade of green and Ireland's countryside will be a better place without it.
JOHN FITZGERALD
CAMPAIGN FOR THE ABOLITION OF CRUEL SPORTS.
LOWER COYNE STREET, CALLAN, CO KILKENNY
