I HAVE lived in the British countryside all of my life. I have never been able to understand how any right-thinking person can possibly enjoy seeing an animal hunted by other animals and then torn apart.

My concern is not only for the hunted animals but also for those who participate in this activity. Indoctrination to such cruelty from a young age surely breeds intolerance and immunity to violence.

I am delighted that later this month MPs will have the opportunity to vote on an options Bill that will decide the future of hunting. I have written to my MP today asking him to vote for a ban on hunting.

The two other options of self-regulation or licensing would permit the fundamentally cruel practice of chasing and killing wild animals with dogs to continue. They amount to no more than licensed cruelty.

Only a ban will prevent cruelty to animals. We cannot allow animals to be chased and torn apart in the name of sport alone and call ourselves civilised.

As we start the 21st century we look back to our predecessors who did what was morally and ethically right for society in banning previously accepted activities such as cock fighting, bull baiting and dog fighting. I would like to ask your readers to support a ban on hunting with dogs by contacting their MP and asking them to vote for a hunting ban.

Sir Patrick Moore CBE,

Selsey,

Sussex.

Updated: 10:11 Saturday, January 13, 2001