Hunt officials condemn 'crazy' ban

The hunt officials gathered at Builth Wells

Hundreds of hunt officials from all over Wales gathered at the Royal Welsh showground in Builth Wells to call for an end to a foxhunting ban which they say now has no justification.

Wales's fox hunts fear failure to lift the ban has more to do with the government's avowed aim of outlawing hunting with dogs than the risk spreading foot-and-mouth disease.

The nearest thing to a day out for many fox hunt hounds this year

They intend to lobby the Welsh Assembly about the situation as they claim that an unchecked fox population could devastate livestock.

However, 200 MPs have already signed a motion calling on the government to start the procedure to ban hunting with dogs as soon as possible.

The hunting season was due to start again this week but few hounds have had more exercise than most family pets this year.

To mark what should have been the official start of the hunting season Bridgend's Llangeinor hunt also turned out, but just for a practice session.

One of those attending at Llanellwedd, David Jones, of the David Davies Hunt at Llandiman, said it was unfair that people can take their dogs into the country or ride bikes in rural areas but the hunting fraternity is denied the opportunity to exercise their sport.

The hounds have stayed at home this season

He said: "The crazy part about it is that someone could walk across a farmer's land with his dog but a farmer can't go out with his terrier after a fox."

The Countryside Action Network says the government is dragging its heels because it wants hunting permanently banned.

Other field sports, such as shooting, have been allowed to restart.

The hunts have said they will listen to farmers but the pro-hunting Countryside Alliance says it believes most landowners would be happy to see hunting start again.