July 02, 2003
Killing the Dogs to Save the Foxes
An estimate in The Times indicates that at least 17,000 hounds will have to be destroyed when the hunting ban is finally forced through. This is because the owners of the dogs will not have the means to keep them. "Breeders dismissed the notion that more than a handful could be rehoused, as their pack-animal instincts and prodigious need for exercise make them unsuitable pets."
They ought to make each of the MPs who voted for the ban go out and do the deed. Since 362 were numbered amongst the "ayes to the right", that means each MP would have to shoot at least 47 dogs.
A collapse in the horse market is also anticipated. The British Equestrian Trades Association estimates that there would be a £50 million loss in just the first four years.