Bigger turnout than usual as supporters face up to potential ban

The Countryside Alliance claimed more than 325,000 people turned up at nearly 300 traditional meets throughout the country. Numbers were up on previous years as pro-hunting supporters staged a show of defiance against the current options bill.

The alliance also claimed only three venues were affected by animal rights organisations and that the total number of protestors was less than 500.

Meets in the North-East and North Yorkshire reported no disruption by hunt saboteurs and said the mood among members and supporters was very positive.

Mrs Angela Vaux, speaking on behalf of the Zetland Hunt which met at Aldbrough St John, said: "We had a very big turnout. About 85 people on horseback were joined by countless spectators and followers in cars. It was definitely a larger turnout than in previous years.

"There were no dissenting voices; everyone was very upbeat and determined that this was not going to be the last Boxing Day meet. There was a very confident feel about it and everyone had a good day's hunting and jumping."

Northallerton high street was packed for the Hurworth Hunt meet. The master of the hunt, Mr Peter Dennis, said it was business as usual, despite the threat of the government ban hanging over their heads.

He said: "It was a similar turnout to other years. We had about 50 mounted people and hundreds of others on foot and in cars. There was no trouble and we just carried on as normal."

Mr John Haigh, from the Countryside Alliance, said the show of support on Boxing Day had made campaigners all the more determined to carry on the fight against the government bill.

He said: "The massive turnout shows just how much support there is for this whole thing. We shall fight this proposed ban with all the strength we possess, and on March 18 our campaign will culminate in the biggest civil liberties demonstration that Europe has ever seen."

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