Letter: Hunting: our last true sport

Sir: Hunting with hounds is probably the most efficient, least cruel method that can be employed to kill foxes; there is no reason to ban it. What remains unacceptable, however, is the following of these hounds by packs of human riders.

I would therefore propose that foxes be hunted by hounds accompanied only by two or three hunt professionals. Farmers and others who benefit from fox-culling, as well as those who declare themselves supporters of this "ancient tradition", could pay for the services of such a hunt in their area.

Dr LESLEY SMITH

Harris Manchester College

Oxford