Published: 29/12/2009 00:00 -
Updated: 13/01/2010 10:03
HUNDREDS of fox hunting supporters have turned out for the annual Meynell and South Staffs Boxing Day hunt which could be the last before the hunting ban is abolished.
The hunt, which set off from Blithfield House, near Abbots Bromley, saw around 40 riders and 1,800 on foot follow the hunt, which could not take place in full because of the hard ground.
Supporters are hopeful that this year's event may be the last to take place under Labour's hunting ban, with the Tories promising a free vote on repealing the act if the party wins the General Election in 2010.
Uttoxeter prospective parliamentary candidate for the Conservatives Andrew Griffiths joined the masses and spoke prior to the hunt in support of his party's plans.
Head huntsman Jamie Nicklin told The Advertiser that the event went 'fantastically well', despite the suspect weather.
He said: "We we're frosted off really. We just went for a bit of a jog round to give the riders a bit of a ride. It was disappointing that there was no trail hunting but people-wise we had about 40 riders and 1,800 on foot, so it was great to see so many people there and there was a very good atmosphere.
"I think the ban will be repealed, fingers crossed. It is an unjust law which is unworkable. It has done its time.
"Hopefully this will be the last with the ban in place." To coincide with the Boxing Day hunts, environment secretary Hilary Benn launched a Back the Ban campaign, urging people to stand fast behind the law introduced nearly five years ago.
Simon Hart, chief executive of the Countryside Alliance, said there was no doubt that the ban had been a failure.
He said: "There is now a widespread acceptance that this law has failed. The fact that five years after it was passed ministers and anti-hunting MPs are desperately trying to defend it speaks volumes."
The hunt, which set off from Blithfield House, near Abbots Bromley, saw around 40 riders and 1,800 on foot follow the hunt, which could not take place in full because of the hard ground.
Supporters are hopeful that this year's event may be the last to take place under Labour's hunting ban, with the Tories promising a free vote on repealing the act if the party wins the General Election in 2010.
Uttoxeter prospective parliamentary candidate for the Conservatives Andrew Griffiths joined the masses and spoke prior to the hunt in support of his party's plans.
Head huntsman Jamie Nicklin told The Advertiser that the event went 'fantastically well', despite the suspect weather.
He said: "We we're frosted off really. We just went for a bit of a jog round to give the riders a bit of a ride. It was disappointing that there was no trail hunting but people-wise we had about 40 riders and 1,800 on foot, so it was great to see so many people there and there was a very good atmosphere.
"I think the ban will be repealed, fingers crossed. It is an unjust law which is unworkable. It has done its time.
"Hopefully this will be the last with the ban in place." To coincide with the Boxing Day hunts, environment secretary Hilary Benn launched a Back the Ban campaign, urging people to stand fast behind the law introduced nearly five years ago.
Simon Hart, chief executive of the Countryside Alliance, said there was no doubt that the ban had been a failure.
He said: "There is now a widespread acceptance that this law has failed. The fact that five years after it was passed ministers and anti-hunting MPs are desperately trying to defend it speaks volumes."
