IT is a scandal that yet more I have to read in the national, regional and local press that those who hunt with dogs have ridden roughshod over the rights of the majority who want to see an end to hunting with dogs.

Among the latest shocking cases drawn to my attention was a family's children left traumatised after seeing their pet cat torn to shreds by out of control hounds, and a horrifying incident in which frenzied hounds, injured during the hunt, invaded a private garden, bit the owner and knocked him to the ground while trying to escape.

In both cases the hunts involved felt a formal apology would settle the matter.

The vast majority of people support a ban on hunting with dogs with an average of 76 per cent believing hunting should be illegal. These people will no longer accept an informal apology after such horrific incidents.

The only way to stop these incidents and the cruelty found in all aspects of hunting with dogs is for the Government to listen to the views of the majority and bring back the bill which will put an end to hunting by March, 2005.

The League Against Cruel Sports will continue to campaign for a ban on hunting with dogs until reports of hunt havoc have become a distasteful but purely historical reminder of the cruelty hunting inflicted.

In my opinion, and that of the majority, a ban on this cruelty in March, 2005, will be welcomed as long overdue.

JOHN COOPER

Chairman, League Against Cruel Sports

83-87 Union Street, London.