Hunters inflict the worst cruelty on their hounds - depriving them of their lives.

Each year, 12,000 hounds nationwide are shot at around five years old for being too old, lame or "past their peak".

The natural lifespan of this breed is 12 years. Hounds are the real casualties of fox-hunting.

-Ms C M Pratt, candicemariepratt@hotmail.com