Tradition is kept alive by hunters
FOX-hunters turned out in force in Pontlliw on New Year's Day to keep the tradition going.
The Banwen Hunt saw between 20 and 30 riders with hounds gather to mark the new year and socialise with friends.
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The hunt set off from the Glamorgan Arms following a speech from the hunt master.
Riders were warned that the ground was hard and frosty and to be careful in case of slips, particularly on the mountain.
The turnout in Pontlliw comes as fox-hunters claim there is evidence of growing support.
Across the country, more than 300,000 turned up at Boxing Day hunts, with supporters claiming a groundswell of backing for their campaign to repeal the act banning hunting with hounds.
The bill made hunting with dogs a criminal offence, although exercising hounds, chasing a scent trail and flushing out foxes to be shot are all still legal.
Tim Bonner, spokesman for the Countryside Alliance, which is leading the campaign for a change in the law, said the Hunting Act was "a bad piece of legislation, apart from being passed for bad reasons" and added that if the Conservatives won the next General Election the law would be changed."
Glamorgan Arms restaurant manager Sharon Griffiths said: "The hunt is a long tradition. It goes back at least 20 years. They don't actually get the foxes, it's just the scent."
8 Comments
by Emily Jones, llanelli
Monday, February 02 2009, 6:55PM
“i think hunting is a very good tradition and should be carried on! i am glad to be apart of it !!!
i went on the pontlliw hunt for my second time hunting and me and my father were in the news paper!! it was a good day to spend on new years day !!!”
by francesca, bridgend
Wednesday, January 14 2009, 4:27PM
“I am a horse owner, rider and have been for the past 20 years. However, I DO NOT hunt and think that to see it as a "tradition" is no longer feasible, seeing as many of these have been phased out as people learn humanity and understand that cruelty should not be inflicted upon any animal whether it be wild or domestic. It saddens me that people are naive in thinking that they just follow a scent trail. Any trained hound will pick up the scent of a live fox and follow that... Do the public honestly believe that the Master of Hounds will call them off? Never. The people who call hunting sport have no heart or compassion for anything but their own pompous and arrogant beliefs. Even their horses are just status symbols and something that boosts their own personal standing. The police should keep a presence at these "meets" and patrol. What is also not mentioned by the Countryside Alliance is cubbing... they still actively go out with young hounds and seek to kill fox cubs. That is just as much killing an innocent life as someone's pet puppy. It's disgusting and more people should be making a stand against it not cheering them on when they have not done any research into the facts. Keep the ban and down to the Tories if they believe that the majority of the UK wants this horrendous "sport" returned to its place. It would be banned in totality if I had any say on it. The countryside would continue without hunting, people would not sell their horses just because they couldn't hunt - unless they had no affection for them, which would show no heart. And the owners of businesses who see the "meets" as a chance to have cash in their tills, well maybe they should think of other ways to get customers through the door.”
by Marcia, Ystradgynlais
Sunday, January 04 2009, 10:03PM
“I am disgusted that so many people turned up! I'm anti hunt and always will be. It's fine for huntsmen and their hounds to chase an artificial sent, there's no harm in that, but using dogs to tear apart an innocent animal is barbaric.”
by G Davies, Swansea
Saturday, January 03 2009, 7:57PM
“What a fantastic sight. Riders, horses and hounds look like they had a great day in the country .
Well done all, keep it up.”
by ASH, Cimla
Saturday, January 03 2009, 12:45PM
“I wouldn't like to see a return to hunting foxes, but the thrill of the chase after an artificial scent would be a wonderful day out for all. The hounds would be active and healthy and the hunters (speaking for myself of course) would love to part of that. The only thing that ever stopped me for 25 years, following the hunt is the actual tearing apart of the quarry. I know it's a paradox, but I'd rather join in to follow a human trail..just for the fun and camaraderie.”
by Adrian Davies, 74 Christopher Rd, Morriston, Swansea.
Friday, January 02 2009, 6:32PM
“To all those who think that 'Hunting' is about killing, they should attend a meet and see what really happens - a very enjoyable social event for the young and the old, and without a drop of blood!”
by AJ, Uplands
Friday, January 02 2009, 3:48PM
“Yet another reason (there are many, many more) why I would NEVER vote for the Tories.
Hunting for food is one thing, but to hunt with a baying pack of hounds in order to tear an animal apart (fox, deer, hares, someone's pet dog or cat) for PLEASURE is absolutely barbaric!
Back in my younger days I was an active member of the anti-hunt community. I was elated when hunting with dogs became illegal.
I hope the Hunting Act is never revoked.”
by R, Swansea
Thursday, January 01 2009, 10:08PM
“What a lovely sight. I hope the boxing day tradition keeps up throughout the country .”