Madam, – I was shocked and saddened to read the article about the fox hunt in Fife (Online footage of hunt sparks call for laws to be tightened up, Courier, March 12).
I had understood fox hunting to be illegal however after reading your article and a quick search on Google I was horrified to discover a loophole in current legislation means nothing illegal occurred during this hunt.
If the dogs are used to flush the fox out and the fox is shot it appears this is defined as pest control, not hunting.
A further search and I was able to establish that better farm practices such as electric fences to ensure safety of livestock are more effective and that foxes actually aid in crop growth by keeping rabbits under control.
Foxes being seen as pests is just as outdated as hunting. There has to be a more humane solution for farmers.
The fox killed was a lactating female.
This means somewhere in her den without her to protect them her cubs have perished awaiting her return.
I can’t get this image out of my thoughts.
I now understand that groups are working with our parliament to ensure the law is changed to impose a total ban.
Like so many I believed this is what we had.
It might be too late for all foxes killed this hunting season but going forward we must support a total ban.
I wanted to thank you for raising awareness and I hope I am not the only one to realise that when we thought fox hunting was banned this was not accomplished.
It is a cruel, barbaric and outdated practice which must be banned.
Donna Hampton.
6 The Logan,
Liff.
Lingering death is not deserved
Madam, – I have never seen hounds (they are not called dogs) kill a fox, but I have seen wild dogs kill an impala in Africa.
It was dead in a second, and like the fox in John Masefield’s poem, Reynard the Fox, it had no time to feel pain.
Wounding foxes leaves them to a lingering death, which even though they are predators and certainly not dumb, they do not deserve.
Guy Chappell.
The Old Manse,
Dron.
Care home was solidly built
Madam, – I read with interest a letter in The Courier from Mrs M. Robertson of Cairnie Loan Arbroath regarding care of the elderly in Angus and, in particular, her very valid comments about Seaton Grove Care Home in Arbroath (Elderly deserve better than care home axe, Courier, March 13).
I was the managing director of Brand Builders in Arbroath and we constructed this building for the then Tayside Regional Council in 1989/90 for £1.4 million.
The building was designed by the council architects department and monitored by their surveying department throughout the construction process.
We all worked together to produce the final unit on programme and on budget.
The completed facility was ahead of its time, beautifully laid out and finished to provide lovely versatile facilities for our elderly and vulnerable Angus residents.
I am appalled to hear it now requires a million pounds to refurbish it and could be at risk in the hands of the Integration Joint Board.
What have these people done regarding maintenance of this facility over the past 28 or so years?
I understand perfectly well that there are financial constraints, but that is an easy excuse.
If there is inadequate money in the hands of government and councils it is time our elected MPs, MSPs and councillors fought to save costs in the right areas.
If still more is money needed, the government should raise taxes to ensure all members of society are properly provided for.
I am glad I’m no longer involved and having to deal with council officialdom to make things happen.
When I was in business not everything was plain sailing, but councils and council officers worked with businesses to make things happen.
Everything appears to be steered by procedures nowadays. The system rules.
Jim Johnston.
8 Isla Place,
Forfar.
Please answer the critics
Madam, – Your regular correspondent, Allan MacDougall, once again misrepresents issues of Scotland’s fiscal mismanagement by the SNP, of which he is such an avid supporter (Not folly to care for less well off, Courier, March 11)
Perhaps he can explain to the rest of us why, while the SNP continually foment over Tory austerity, the party presides over more than £48 million so far spent on the white elephant that is the old Prestwick airport, including incentive grants of more than £650,000 given to Ryanair to ensure they keep operating out of this loss-making property.
Beyond that there is the continual spend on Holyrood, the money wasted on policy reviews plus, of course, the public funding of “jollies” abroad.
Maybe instead of trying to castigate the critics of this misdirected political party, Mr MacDougall should try answering the criticisms.
Derek Farmer.
Knightsward Farm,
Anstruther.
Reckoning at the ballot box
Madam, – I’m sure I am not alone in wishing for the end of March and the end of the EU debacle.
I was always of the opinion that in a democracy the majority ruled.
Our self-opinionated MPs are now debating whether to have an extension of the date, cancelling Brexit or having another referendum.
They must surely realise that we, the electorate, voted to leave the EU, no question.
The position of an MP is to carry out the wishes of the electorate.
If they go their own way then I for one will certainly remember them at the next ballot box.
Willie Robertson.
Grianan,
Lynton, Stanley.
Make decisions in Scotland
Madam, – If this is not the worst Tory Government in history it must be close.
Pension chaos, Brexit chaos in which some of those who promote it are making millions, no consultation with elected devolved governments, the DUP imposing their will and a prime minister who says she is guided by God.
It is truly frightening for ordinary people.
Of course there is a way out for Scots, all they have to do is say no to this and make decisions for Scotland in Scotland.
It is really that simple.
Bryan Auchterlonie.
Bluebell Cottage,
Perth.
