Huntsmen launch charm offensive
HUNTSMEN are undergoing media training to overhaul their image as "arrogant, aloof and out-of-touch".
The charm offensive is being launched ahead of an expected vote to repeal the ban on hunting with hounds if the Conservatives secure a majority at the next election.
The Tories have pledged to hold a free vote on scrapping the legislation, with several key party figures indicating it will be wiped from the statute book.
Hunt masters, kennel staff and others working in the industry are being offered places on training courses to portray a more modern image in front of the TV cameras.
Sessions are being held across the country, with the Countryside Alliance staging mock interviews.
The Alliance's Tim Bonner told Horse and Hound: "Part of the reason why hunting was banned was the stereotype of the arrogant, aloof and out-of- touch hunting world, and some of that was because of the way we interacted with journalists."
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Simon Hart, chief executive of the Countryside Alliance, said: "Communication is vital if the hunting community is to secure a long and thriving future for hunting post-repeal, and both huntsmen agreed that the experience was beneficial."
Last month William Hague, the shadow foreign secretary, said the ban is a "bad law" which should be repealed.
The legislation was "deeply prejudiced" and "ridiculously unworkable", he said.
The comments appeared to go further than the previous party policy to offer time for a free vote.
Pro-hunt supporters seized on the comments, claiming to be within "touching distance of victory" in the battle against one of the Labour Government's most controversial laws.
The looming prospect of a national debate on the repeal of the ban provoked the need for media training.
Alastair Jackson, director of the Masters of Foxhounds Association, told the WMN public attitude towards the ban had "changed completely".
He said: "In the past there have been media training days but perhaps we have not concentrated on professional hunt staff.
"They are the people at the sharp end of the Hunting Act. It is their livelihood at risk.
"If the Conservatives win the election they have said they will bring in a vote pretty quickly. It will all happen very quickly.
"There will be enormous interest for a short period of time."
Mr Jackson added the act is now widely seen as being "unworkable and unfair".
"I think now the Act has been proven to be unworkable and such a farce, and the police are saying it is low down in their priorities, the whole things is becoming a bit of a joke.
"We have got a bad law. It shouldn't be ignored – it should be repealed."
44 Comments
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by Tony, Falmouth, Cornwall
Monday, October 12 2009, 6:55PM
“Huntspeople, charm? those two words cannot go together in the same sentence!!!
Just ban hunting completely,
If they want the fun of hunting a living (until they catch it that is) thing, then they can take it in turns to be chased themselves?
And Sasha, yes I know, I have been at the end of a hunt several times and remember the fox is the only one that is acting a natural way”
by Chris, Cornwall
Monday, July 13 2009, 5:14PM
“Along with throwing foxhounds off a scent...”
by Charles Henry 1945-(diuturnity), Somersetshire
Monday, July 13 2009, 3:44PM
“:| That's good lateral thinking Chris. . Skinning cats and all that.”
by Chris, Cornwall
Monday, July 13 2009, 2:34PM
“Citronella is quite good too....”
by Charles Henry 1945-(diuturnity), Somersetshire
Monday, July 13 2009, 8:29AM
“:| Have you thought of trying liquorice root James, or peppermint oil. . I think you might find it helps.”
by James, Cornwall
Sunday, July 12 2009, 10:39PM
“I was reading an article from one of the archives last week.
It was written more than 50 years ago by a small farmer who had much trouble with the hunting fraternity, e.g. trespasing on his land without permission, leaving gates open etc.
Referring to the huntsmen, he said "They are lacking in respect for others, they are rude, arrogant and in some cases quite obnoxious".
Things have not changed at all!!.”
by Charles Henry 1945-(diuturnity), Somersetshire
Sunday, July 12 2009, 5:45PM
“:| A totally irrelevant quote Fiona. . Foxes will either get hunted or shot. . Any taking my neighbours poultry get shot.. . I have none now. . Hunting would be a better way I believe, but as there is no hunt in the vicinity it makes no difference to me. . Nature regulating numbers! . Now that really is really garbage. . What regulates foxes mostly is sarcoptic mange. . But then as you all ignore the veterinary profession and real animal welfare there is little point trying to persuade you any differently. . You take care now.”
by Fiona, South
Sunday, July 12 2009, 4:38PM
“Charles, me thinks you protest too much (to quote Shakespeare!) Foxes are quite capable of regulating their numbers and nature has its own way of dealing with "sickly" creatures. You display the arrogance that hunt supporters are known for, ie, you believe that you are best placed to manage wildlife. Look what happened to the otter!”
by Sasha, Truro
Sunday, July 12 2009, 1:36PM
“When you know something about hunting, then comment!”
by Charles Henry 1945-(diuturnity), Somersetshire
Sunday, July 12 2009, 10:09AM
“:| Fiona, 'Land Owners' do not 'breed' foxes, but foxes may be breeding on their land. . It is not impossible that the Masters of Foxhounds appealed for more foxes to be allowed to live. . . No one wants to wipe out foxes. . Hunting controls foxes more, disperses them and removes any sickly ones. . Shooting and trapping tends to be indiscriminate . . I have to say that no one I know in this part of the world received any such communication. . And if they had they would have probably put it straight in the shredder without reading it. . They were obviously trying to make the point that the killing is indiscriminate without hunting with dogs. . As it is now with the Red Deer I'm given to understand. . And even I had reservations about dogs to control the deer.”