Fox hunting groups are getting public money

A FOX hunting spokeswoman boasted that “250,000 people” support Boxing Day meets each year and that “trail hunting” will “take place behind closed doors” this year (“Boxing Day hunts ‘will not assemble in towns’,” Mercury, October 21).

Trail hunting was specifically devised to replicate traditional hunting after it was banned under the Hunting Act in 2004.

As a result of trail hunting numerous foxes continue to be killed “accidentally”.

I wonder if the “250,000 supporters” are aware of the sickening cruelty this seemingly innocent “sport” involves?

I also wonder whether the public is aware that it has been reported that councils in England and Wales are handing out public money intended to help struggling businesses to fox hunting groups.

Earlier this month, it was reported in the Rutland and Stamford Mercury that an application by the Cottesmore Hunt for a grant of £25,000 was successful. The hunt also received a business rates discount of £6,716 through Rutland County Council.

Shropshire County Council reportedly gave five business grants to registered hunts while Devon and Somerset Staghounds received a £10,000 grant and a £50,000 loan from coronavirus business schemes.

Animal welfare groups and many MPs are outraged.

If you agree that propping up a barbaric activity when many businesses are closing is scandalous please sign a petition at: 38degrees.org.uk help-strugglingbusinesses-not-fox-hunting-groups

Elizabeth Allison, Aylestone