Huntsmen expect laws to be repealed through free vote
SENIOR hunters say there is more support than ever for fox hunting after it was banned six years ago.
The Staffordshire Moorlands Hunt and its supporters met yesterday at Rue Hill, Cauldon, near Leek, for the annual Boxing Day meet.
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BLIZZARD CONDITIONS: Yesterday's hunt at Rue Hill. Picture: Malcolm Hart
Heavy snow put paid to a run-out for the second year running, but more than 50 people gathered to show their continuing support as they sipped on mulled wine.
And they pledged to continue putting pressure on the Government towards a repeal of the Hunting Act.
Senior huntmaster Edward Upton said: "Everyone thought that the hunts would disappear but, as far as I know, only one pack disbanded in Scotland and they've restarted since.
"We've had more support than ever. We normally get a few hundred people now, after an increase of around 40 per cent in support.
"Hunting is like a drug. I've hunted all my life. We just hope we'll get a repeal."
The 72-year-old, from Scotland, added: "I think David Cameron will give us a free vote in Parliament at some point, but it's not an important issue at the moment with everything else that's going on.
"The Countryside Alliance is lobbying MPs all the time."
The hunt was set-up by Debbie and David Machin, the parents of Andrew Bayley-Machin.
Andrew, aged 33, from Endon, said: "There's more support than ever, it's fantastic. We've got people from all over the country here today.
"I think people have started to support it because it's faced with a bit of adversity and, if people don't do it now, then they may never do it.
"We can't offer the farmers the service we used to, but fortunately we're still allowed on the land."
8 Comments
by Tonyjohnt, Hanley
Thursday, December 30 2010, 12:53AM
“Dunno why they would bother to repeal it anyway. The police haven't enforced it and the toffs have ignored it. A bit like only poor people take cocaine (yeah, right).
The Law has no top - but it does have a bottom.”
by luap, burslem
Wednesday, December 29 2010, 9:35AM
“It appeared three times Andy but what you say is good, I wonder if Upton would feel so high after the chase?
also
No development on the Wade factory yet,hope the council have not just blown another million on this iffy developer.”
by Andy, Tunstall
Tuesday, December 28 2010, 7:10PM
“Who's up for chasing Mr Upton across a few fields until he's terrified and exhausted and then ripping him apart with our bare teeth?
Sounds like great fun.”
by Andy, Tunstall
Tuesday, December 28 2010, 7:10PM
“Who's up for chasing Mr Upton across a few fields until he's terrified and exhausted and then ripping him apart with our bare teeth?
Sounds like great fun.”
by Andy, Tunstall
Tuesday, December 28 2010, 7:10PM
“Who's up for chasing Mr Upton across a few fields until he's terrified and exhausted and then ripping him apart with our bare teeth?
Sounds like great fun.”
by Leigh, Hanley
Tuesday, December 28 2010, 5:23PM
“"There's more support than ever" - depends who you ask as I don't support it - it's like saying "Everyone likes chocolate" whereas, really, you wouldn't know this unless you ask EVERYBODY.”
by pamela, Anon
Tuesday, December 28 2010, 11:48AM
“Mr Upton if hunting is a drug maybe you should be jailed for it.Barbaric soprt.”
by Roger, Waterfall
Tuesday, December 28 2010, 11:00AM
“72 year old Edward Upton should have grown up by now and realise how cowardly disgusting and barbaric a
hunt is, it is nearly 2011 and we just do not do things like that now try hunting a domestic dog and see what a public out cry there would be, leave Mr Fox alone he's only a canine,
get yourself back up to Scotland and find a more suitable pastime to suit your weird appetite.”