Submission from

The Devon County and Agricultural Association

17 February 2000

Dear Sir

With regard your ongoing inquiry into the subject of Hunting With Hounds, I wish to make the following points about the effect of a ban on hunting to our Show and in particular, the Country Life Area.

Each year, on each of the three days of the show, we have several packs of hounds being paraded in the main ring by their hunt staff. This is free of charge to the show and always draws large crowds.

In addition to this we also hold inter-hunt competitions in the main ring which attracts entries from many local hunts. This also draws large crowds

The main ring and other rings around the show also feature horse related events such as show jumping and showing competitions all of which include classes for hunters. Hunters being specifically horses for hunting.

Another of the features of our show is the Blacksmiths shoeing competition. A great many of the Blacksmiths who participate rely on hunting horses for a large part of their trade.

In another part of our showground we have an area which is dedicated to the countryside and conservation. This area is always very popular with the public and features demonstrations by huntsmen with hounds, terrier racing, and lurchers. All of these activities would be effected or destroyed by a hunting ban. Falconry is a large attraction in the Countryside and Conservation Area. It is also an important feature in the main ring of our show and most county shows in the country. As a ban on hunting with dogs could also have an effect on falconry, (previous bills allowed for the flushing of game with dogs to shoot but made no mention of catching with a hawk), we can see a knock on effect to parts of the falconry displays.

A large number of the trade stands at our show are selling country sports equipment. Saddlers, tailors and outfitters, feed merchants, artists and many others are all selling to hunting people. Without hunting they would not be likely to attend the show. This would jeopardise its future as a show.

Many hunting related businesses kindly sponsor events in various areas. If hunting was banned we would lose a lot of this sponsorship.

The Devon County Show relies on volunteer stewards. We have over 300. The majority of whom are country people and would strongly disapprove of a ban. A ban would result in many of them withdrawing their help. They volunteer as a service to society and society would appear to have kicked them in the teeth.

It may be of interest to note that when the League Against Cruel Sports Ltd. applied to have a trade stand in our show many stewards stated they would resign in protest if their application was successful. I include this as an example of the strength of feeling of our volunteer work force.

I am convinced that the effects of a ban on hunting with dogs would tear the heart from our show, socially financially and structurally. A ban would certainly jeopardise its future. This show has always been a great meeting point for the population of the Devon’s rural and urban areas – it is where town meets country. The Show’s loss would further fracture the lives of a population that is already feeling increasingly marginalised.

Yours faithfully

Philip Greed

Chairman – Country Life Committee

Devon County Show

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