RE “the balance of nature” in last week’s letters.

Thankfully I have yet to hear anyone suggest that badgers be culled by people on horses with hounds. Presumably it would not generate enough “fun”.

My point is that hunting with hounds is not a rational form of conservation or control and by its very nature (chasing a quarry) is in a modern environment an increasingly anachronistic pastime in which members of the public often become unwillingly involved.

Parliamentary time for and against hunting with hounds is a circular argument depending on the result satisfying or dissatisfying the interested parties. Recent polls show a majority of the public are in favour of keeping the law as it is.

The balance of nature question and conservation in general is of great importance in these densely inhabited islands – but I do not advocate the culling of anyone.

I am not a “bunny hugger” but apparently those who do not want the present hunting laws overturned will eventually ban the eating of meat.

This level of paranoia informs the actions of some hunt supporters. I am amused.

STEVE ANDERSON Bourton-on-the-Hill.