I find the coverage given to fox hunting rather perplexing. I hope some pro fox hunting people can help me to understand it. At the core of my confusion is this simple question: why does a fox have to die for it to be fun? The following tweets explain further @CA_TimB @LNJStokes
You see lots of people in images like the one above, who are out to support the hunt. I can understand how it is enjoyable to see the spectacle of riders and dogs parading down a road. Yet do all those people there truly want a fox to die? Or do they just enjoy the ceremony?
If death is a key part of it then that worries me somewhat. That so many people (including children and families) hold the fox with such vindictive hatred that they want it dead. What harm did it cause them? Why do they care about it?
When I see these images of people out cheering on the parade I wonder how many of them actually realise what they are supporting. Do they realise they are supporting a fox being ripped apart by hounds? Maybe they all do, which is worrying. Maybe they just like the ceremony of it.
And what of those that actually take part in the hunt. I can understand how riding a horse is fun, and going out into the countryside is fun, and that having dogs with you is fun. But you don't need to kill a fox to do all of those things. Why is the death of a fox essential?
I am asking these questions out of a genuine wish to try and understand the mindset behind these actions. At the moment I cannot understand it. Maybe I never will be able to. Can any hunt supporters help? @CA_TimB @LNJStokes
