Fox hunting has

heritage value

MADAM,

IN relation to the proposed ban on fox hunting being put to the Dáil on December 17th, I would like to direct readers to UNESCO, who recently gave Falconry protected status in 17 countries under the category of ‘intangible cultural heritage’.

They state, in summary, that “falconry remains integrated into communities as part of a social recreational practice and popular means of interacting with nature. The practice has evolved over time to become a traditional sport which has acquired many other values and a greater social significance. In particular it has become associated with camaraderie, sharing expressions of freedom, and a connection with nature. Falconry has inspired a vast swathe of artistic creativity including books, manuscripts, poetry, paintings, and historical buildings.”

The same is true of fox hunting. With the move to trail-hunting in the UK, its heritage value there has already been tarnished. An eradication of fox hunting would mean a complete loss of the unique art and skillset that goes with looking after and hunting a pack of hounds, and understanding nature’s vulnerabilities.

Yours etc,

Emma Reilly,

Dorset UK and Co Clare