The hunting season draws to a close

Countryside Alliance Executive Chairman Barney White-Spunner writes: "As the weather warms up and the hunting season comes to an end, the future looks bright and hunting is in good heart. Certainly a glance at the media recently has reflected this. The tenth anniversary of the implementation of the Hunting Act across England and Wales saw a flurry of positive media coverage, and last week saw yet more coverage for hunting as we revealed an exclusive article by the Prime Minister, which was widely reported and which will appear in our Spring magazine (posted to members soon). In the article, David Cameron was unequivocal in his view: "The Hunting Act has done nothing for animal welfare. A Conservative Government will give Parliament the opportunity to repeal the Hunting Act on a free vote, with a government Bill in government time."

Meanwhile, many with a passing interest in hunting have been motivated to act following the assault on Tedworth Master and Huntsman Mike Lane. The graphic video of the attack, which received huge media coverage, gave us a platform from which to launch our e-campaign to Police and Crime Commissioners calling for the removal of balaclavas and face coverings. More than 8,000 of you took action in just ten days, both for Mike and for other hunts suffering from harassment. Thankfully the problem is not that widespread, but it is vicious where it exists. We have had a huge number of replies from Police & Crime Commissioners and Chief Constables and are following up with individual police forces. We will keep you posted on this and will maintain the great momentum your support has afforded this vital issue.

It is wonderful to see so many young people out hunting - photos of so many excellent young jockeys continue to delight our 70,000 Facebook fans, and it is important that we build on this enthusiasm and success. I encourage all hunts to open their kennel doors at every opportunity throughout the summer months to welcome youngsters, and indeed any others that are interested in learning about hounds and hunting.

If you haven't already bought your "still here, still hunting" badge please do so here and we will look forward to seeing you out and about at the hound shows this summer. Please do come and visit us at:

• Thursday 11th, Friday 12th June and Saturday 13th June - South of England Show, Ardingly


• Thursday 25th June - Wales and Border Counties, Builth Wells


• Tuesday 14th, Wednesday 15th and Thursday 16th July - Great Yorkshire Show, Harrogate


• Wednesday 22nd July - Festival of Hunting, Peterborough


• Thursday 6th August - West of England, Honiton


• Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th August - Lowther