FOX-HUNTING leaders in Mid Cheshire are meeting this week to decide how to combat the Government's decision to ban the sport. The Parliament Act was used to push through the hunting ban, but the belief among hunt supporters in Mid Cheshire is that it will be unworkable. Robert Walker, one of four joint masters of the Sandiway-based Cheshire Hunt, said: 'The Countryside Alliance lawyers are studying the ins and outs of the Bill, and we believe there will be enough loopholes to make it unworkable.' Mr Walker said the Cheshire Hunt masters would be meeting this week to discuss the ban and said: 'If necessary we will take the matter to the European Court of Human Rights. 'No matter how long it takes we believe the ban will be overturned, and in the meantime we will carry on as normal.' Pro-hunt supporters say at least half a million people are involved in the country's 350 hunts. If the ban goes ahead they say about 25,000 dogs will have to be destroyed, and a £14m rural industry will be wiped out. Asked if the Cheshire Hunt, which has 70 hounds, would consider defying the ban, Mr Walker said: 'There will be no need. I am convinced the ban will never work.' The Cheshire Hunt's Guy Mather, who is responsible for controlling the hounds at the Sandiway kennels, says the Hunt would have to get rid of staff and put down hounds if the ban, due to come into force in 2006, goes ahead. He said: 'There are three full-time members of staff here and all three will lose their jobs if hunting is banned. We'd also lose our homes, as they are tied in with the jobs. 'More importantly, though, is the hounds themselves. We would be able to give some away to other packs, say in Ireland, but the majority would have to be put down. 'It is the biggest worry for me. They are pack animals and they are not suitable to be put into domestic situations, despite what people may say.' He added: 'We will do everything we possibly can to continue hunting. The notion of drag-hunting has been suggested as an alternative but, as far as I am concerned, it is a very different sport. We are doing a job for the farmers by hunting foxes.' | 
Article
HAVE your say on our Chronicle Letters Messageboard - click