Hunting dogs.

Megs' comment on the "Dogs used and abused for hunting" post, makes me realise just how widespread this appalling practice is.

Not only are many of the dogs abused, but the experience for the hunted animal is beyond horrifying. Sadly it's a "sport" pursued by people at all levels of society.

Last year in a joint operation with the police and local SPCA, 7 hunting dogs were seized from the premises of an affluent farmer. Two of the bitches were heavily pregnant and yet all of the dogs were emaciated, dehydrated and flea and tick ridden.

They were being held in disgusting enclosures and the only evidence of food was the remains of an emaciated calf which had been thrown in for them to chew on.

I think that this practise should be completely outlawed whether it's traditional or not! Fox-hunting is illegal in the UK now ( after centuries of appalling, blood-thirsty cruelty)..........and I feel strongly that we should be going the same route?