Though the impending war on Iraq dominates our news, I would ask readers to remember the upcoming Bill on banning hunting with dogs.

Though there are many MPs who have consistently voted for a complete ban on all forms of hunting with dogs, it is increasingly and alarmingly apparent others who supported the ban are now in favour of "licensed" hunting.

This licensing is proposed by the Government, whose election pledge in 1996 was to introduce legislation for a complete hunt ban.

When challenged about his concern for the worldwide plight of animals in view of the suffering of India's people, Mahatma Gandhi rightly said he was "starting at the roots", through his concern for all forms of life, ultimately including human beings.

-AnneMarie Moynihan, South Street, Mayfield