I thought the idea was to give the fox the least advantage possible? Now dont get me wrong, if people want to ride around in red jackets etc thats their business, but to try and excuse it as a 'service to the rural community' is stretching it,
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Obviously you don't know your local hunt or the services they provide to the rural community for example fallen stock collection and disposal, local community events, employment to rural communities and yes believe it or not they look after the land as well the hunt is secondary to the work they do everyday. I have been involved with local hunts since I was very small and have never wore a red jacket yet just warm waterproof riding gear the same as I do when out for a hack.
The idea is to hunt to take out the weak and diseased and leave a strong fox community which have a very high chance of evading capture and put the balance of predator and prey right, which stops the foxes running a mock like they are now under the current ban.
The hounds are well trained and the whip will not allow them in until the fox is dead, but as with everyday life accidents happen and a hound may catch a live one just the same as if when out walking and my dog catches a rabbit and kills it is not planned or premeditated and everything is done to prevent it.