to think fox hunting is not a big deal at all?

[chandellina]

and should never have been the subject of national debate, since it affects about 100 people? (ok, maybe more, but not many)

I was a vegetarian when it was banned, btw. I just think it's such a non-issue, and can't believe it is still being trotted out as a reason not to vote Tory.

I live near to the countryside and forest. Near wild pheasant, deer and foxes. Ive seen them in the dead of night and they dont attack. And yes I do care about other issues in society. I do care that animals are treated badly for food. Why do you think its all about the foxes? Cant we care for more than one issue at a time?

People who murder animals are more likely to go on to murder people. Says a lot about those who dont give a toss doesnt it.

Making animals suffer long term just so we can get cut price food.... Classy

larks: "Confirming that he would allow Tory MPs a free vote on decriminalising hunting with dogs if he were to become prime minister, Mr Cameron said: " I always thought that the ban was a mistake because I think it is very difficult to enforce".

Yes. You are right. The prisons are full of murderers who used to hunt foxes!

paisleyleaf - cheers for info, just another reason to tactically ensure he doesn't run the country, wanker!silly sod.

@ Jurisfictionoperative

the thing is most food is thrown in the bins. Supermarkets will reduce it but not too low as they would rather it go to waste than be sold for little profit. The greed is partly to blame for over farming. So much farming and so much waste. It might be called great britain but I dont think the name suits these days.

Noooo. those who start by maiming and killing small animals have a higher tendancy to go on to kill on a serial basis. Get it right or be seen as a heartless human being.

YABU

I also think you will find that a very large majority of those pro hunting lobbyists, were marching in London as they were worried they were going to lose their livelihoods and incomes because tony Blair wanted to persuade people to vote for him. And yes, we can care for more than one issue at once, but surely there are plenty more important. Children, the homeless and sick people, are much more important. If you are really pushed for something to campaing about, how about 5 million Iraqi people killed in the war.

I can just see this thread nearing an end, so as per usual i suppose there is one thing left to say we will all have to agree to disagree .

(and all of you that think its ok to hunt, need your head examining)

so ner

Do you give help to the homeless? Do you help sick people and children? Do you tell a doctor you must study in a certain field becuase A is more important than B? Out of all those which 1 is more important than the other?

As for war if you join the army you know what you are going into. Dont compain. I understand there is suffering there but you dont have to join up. I dont mean that to sound harsh but seriously we are responsible for our own actions.

I am not heartless, just realistic. I love animals, I have several., I don't buy cheap meat and care about poverty. I just feel the op is right. This is a non issue. When we worry about animal welfare, we should consider the many, not just the few.

herethereandeverywhere, a mobile ringtone would work, I'm liking it. Perhaps a burberry cap for the style conscious?

So: a 'free vote' because the ban has proved 'difficult to enforce' (ie. it's not the best use of public prosecution time to hound, sorry, pursue, the dregs of the hunting fraternity as they persist in pulling animals to bits for fun).

I can't get alarmist about this - for one thing, there are far worse things happening to animals in this country, & for another, the most important thing is that the tide of public opinion has turned.

Hunting isn't popular, but I think that as a nation we do have quite libertarian tendencies - it's one thing to find animal cruelty disgusting, but it suddenly presses a few buttons if we're asked to prohibit our fellow citizens from entertaining themselves in their own, orderly & self-regulated way. Especially if it's mixed with a lot of fudge about 'controlling vermin' & 'looking after the countryside, you townies wouldn't understand'.

Once that particular Rubicon's been passed, NO political party's going to bring something as ghastly in PR terms 'back' (let's remember that it's not actually gone...) - it'd be politically stupid. The votes they'd win by doing so are the ones they've already got.

Now that I agree with. Like you I too love animals and have a special affinity for cats in particular. I dont buy eggs from caged hens and Im veggie. I care for other peoples welfare. If the ban is lifted it will mean the hunting of not just foxes but all other animals in our countryside. Its my fear that we as humans will also be at risk. Walking our kids through the countrysides and dodging stray bullets.

I think it goes beyond fox hunting though and I believe it has more to do with votes and financial support of certain political parties so whilst is it a bloody barbaric sport and I support the ban, I am also quite deeply concerned about eht corruption behind hte ban and the logistics of passing the gelislation. Oh god I have run out of tippex, cannot be arsed to correct typos and mus tgo to bed. Foxes are a nuisance but a more humane methonnd of culling is required.

Thank you and good night.

5 million Iraqis doesn't mean soldiers, it means innocent bystanders, women and children!! But that is off subject.
Perhaps if people did prioritise what is important, more good would be done in this country.

Again its not about culling.

ok but who is doing the killing? Soldiers?

Lil queenie. War is another subject entirely, needs it's own thread. The good thing about this country is that we are able to think what we like and have our own opinions. IMO though, those in power need to prioritise issues, and the plight of a fox, however meaningful, shouldn't become a subject for political debate over the many other problems this country has.

Oh bollocks I was going to bed. And I am drunk so am not pussyfooting. apologies.

No, sure it isn't about culling but that is the major bullshit excuse used in its favour no?

What the fuck has it got to do with an illegal waar in Iraq? WTF has it got to do with soldiers? I fail to see the connection, I honestly do.

And what I want to know is when are to soldiers going to stand up against the illegal war and the illegal loss of their own lives? Conciencious Objectors are not cowards, they have courage of conviction in addition to courage everywhere else.

Grrrr.

YANBU.

Parliament spent more time on this issue than on the Iraq war. That is the real scandal.

Exactly!