Sir, I wonder if you would allow me to respond to an article in your last issue in which it was reported that plans of the South Pembrokeshire Hunt to parade in the centre of Tenby had been dropped. In the article, we were told by the joint master of the Hunt that "We don't want to cause a nuisance" by being on the Christmas parade, "as it seems like this is causing great difficulties." What he and his followers fail to recognise is that over 80 per cednt of the population are more than happy with the Hunting Act 2004, which makes hunting with a pack of dogs illegal. Whilst the South Pembrokeshire Hunt was started in 1789, civilisation has moved on from disgraceful activities like bear baiting and slavery. The cruelty of hunting foxes is now also considered unacceptable in a civilised society. It is completely right that those few people who derive pleasure from inflicting cruelty upon wild animals should be prosecuted under the law. The presence of the Hunt on a civic Christmas parade in Tenby would not just be a 'nuisance'- it would be an anathema.

David Petersen, Chairman of West Wales Animal Aid.