Rocker sure hunt is on right path
QUEEN legend Brian May spent his Boxing Day morning in Swansea as he travelled down from London in the early hours to show his support for a “humane hunt”.
The guitarist was in Wind Street for the Three Counties Bloodhounds’ annual clean boot hunt, which has been taking place for the past four years.
Instead of chasing a fox, riders on horseback and a team of hounds chase a human runner over a predetermined route in a legal, cruelty-free event that is seen by some as the legitimate future of hunting.
A leading animal rights campaigner, the 72-year-old founded the Save Me Trust in 2010 and among its missions since has campaigned against Government attempts to repeal or disempower The Hunting Act of 2004.
After having a quick drink at No Sign Wine Bar, he followed the start of the hunt, being led by Byron John, on a horse and trap, waving to the cheering crowds who lined the streets to get a glimpse of the event.
Discussing his support of the event and why he became involved, Mr May said: “There was a moment of hesitation because we have been working on opposing the hunting of creatures for cruel sports and we had to be very sure that’s what was not happening here.
“As soon as we met Byron, you just have to look at this man’s face and into his eyes and you realise he’s a humane man and also a very brave man because he’s breaking away from a tradition at the same time as supporting a tradition of horsemanship and country sports. He is a leader.
“We felt we should support him because this is the future and the acceptable humane face of hunting. It’s cast iron. There is no doubt. There are no dogs being trained with fox scent or questionable activities going on here.
“There’s a lot of shameful things going on and a lot of dishonesty out there and this is about honesty and humaneness and also not being a spoilsport, because this is great sport.
“It’s wonderful. I really wish I did ride myself, I never had that pleasure, there weren’t any horses where I was brought up, sadly. One of my daughters used to ride and she’s hoping to come down next year with Byron’s permission, but all we can do is come down here and support.”
Mr May described it as a “process of education.”
“Our people were suspicious of us joining Byron, but now you look at our social media and everyone gets it and the idea is very concrete in everyone’s minds now,” he said.
“There are a lot of traditions which have to be given up after a while – like burning witches at the stake. Tradition is not really a justification to carry on doing what you’re doing but you can adapt those traditions and still give people what they want – horse riding and husbandry of the dogs is a wonderful thing, it’s a great tradition.
“These, of course, are bloodhounds and not foxhounds. Everybody has a lot of fun, and the result is a man gets licked.”