I AM writing in response to your article about fox-hunting in which huntsman, Josh Bentley, refers to the hounds as being "like pets" (November 22).

Unfortunately, what he fails to mention is that hunts will have their hounds put down in middle age when they can no longer give chase so effectively.

I do not know of any caring or responsible pet owner who would have their animal put to sleep when they are fit, healthy and have many years of life left in them.

Roll on the ban!

John Rushby,

Lawrence Street,

York.

Updated: 11:17 Friday, November 26, 2004