SUE Baumgardt asks the question “why, since fox hunting has been banned for many years, some hunts still choose to go out at dawn throughout the traditional cub hunting season?”  (Stop fox hunting, The Argus, September 25).

Although banned in 2004, hunting with dogs is sadly still happening resulting in hundreds of animals each year being harmed or killed.

There are 192 registered hunts in the United Kingdom and last season alone saw a 36 per cent increase in calls from the public to the League Against Cruel Sports’ confidential Animal Crimewatch line.  

It recorded 700 foxhunting incidents, which is a 52 per cent increase from the previous season. 

The evidence that fox hunting is continuing is overwhelming.

Sussex Police have launched a new rural crime team, whose overall aim is to crack down on unlawful behaviour in isolated communities. 

This expanded team will have the specialist knowledge, skills and training that is vital to police our rural communities and successfully investigate and prosecute crimes, but they need the backing of the courts.

The delayed second reading of the Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Bill, on October 23 this year, when passed into law, will give the United Kingdom one of the toughest sanctions for animal abuse in Europe, strengthening our position as a global leader in animal welfare.  

The new legislation will enable tougher prison sentences for the most serious perpetrators of animal cruelty, from the current maximum of six months to five years.

Perhaps then, we can legitimately begin to consider ourselves a nation of animal lovers.

David Hammond

Hassocks