Hunts face ruin as disease restrictions bite (From Western Telegraph)

Hunts face ruin as disease restrictions bite

Pembrokeshires two fox-hunts will not resume hunting on Saturday and it could be months before they hold their opening meets.

The South Pembrokeshire and Pembrokeshire Hunts have suspended hunting indefinitely until foot and mouth disease is eradicated. The hunts have not met on horseback since last February and could face a cash crisis if members fail to renew subscriptions.

Traditionally, the new season gets under way on the first Saturday in September.

James Andrews, master of the South Pembrokeshire Hunt, says subscriptions are vital if its long term future is to be assured.

We have made economies, but we still have our basic costs to meet, he said.

We are appealing to everyone who is involved in the hunt to subscribe as normal even though the opportunities to meet will be reduced."

The hunts groom has already had her hours drastically cut and redundancies are predicted if costs cannot be met.

Hunting has been suspended by its governing body even in areas, like Pembrokeshire, which remain foot and mouth disease free.

The fox-hound packs, which already face an uncertain future amid hunting reforms, are being exercised by volunteers on bicycles.

It could be months before they get the opportunity to return to the open countryside.

The South Pembrokeshire Hunt plans to hold an extraordinary general meeting on September 20th at Cresselly village hall to explain the current situation to supporters and local people.

We need the opportunity to explain to people what is happening. We are hoping people will come along to show their support, said James Andrews.

One of the hunts biggest fundraisers, the annual Range Ride at Castlemartin, was cancelled because of fears it could bring foot and mouth disease to the county.

A scaled-down version of that event is currently being planned, but will be restricted to South Pembrokeshire Hunt members only.