We'll meet again? (From Western Telegraph)

We'll meet again?

Pembrokeshire's two fox hunts will meet tomorrow (Thursday) to hunt legally for the last time, just hours ahead of the implementation of legislation banning hunting with hounds.

The Cresselly Arms at Cresswell Quay will be the scene of South Pembrokeshire Hunt's last meet.

Across the county, at Llanwarren, Letterston, the Pembrokeshire Hunt will also be out on horseback.

The Hunting Act will come into force at midnight on Thursday, although its legality is still being challenged in the courts.

Richard Wilson, treasurer of the Pembrokeshire Hunt, said the hunt would continue to meet legally, starting on Saturday, when members would meet at his home to exercise the hounds.

Mr Wilson predicted a big turnout and believed there would also be good support tomorrow.

"It is a working day, which will affect the turnout, but I think we will see a lot of people out on horseback and on foot,'' he said.

He admitted it would be a sad day, but was confident the ban would be revoked as a result of the current challenge or with a change of Government.

Records show that the hunt probably dates back to 1634 when hounds were kennelled at Slebech Park. A tombstone at Freystrop church marks the grave of a huntsman who died while hunting in 1786.

Richard Wilson said the hunt would continue to meet but abide by the requirements of the Hunting Act. "We are determined to keep within the law because we are seeking redress in the courts,'' he said.

"If this present action fails we will still abide by the law until the case is determined in the Court of Human Rights.''

One of the alternatives the hunt will pursue will be to lay an artificial trail for the hounds to pursue.

"We won't we using our best hounds for this because it does spoil their ability to follow a natural scent,'' said Mr Wilson.

The Pembrokeshire Hunt said the future of its hounds was assured for the time being because its casualty livestock collection service to farmers guaranteed a food supply.

The hunt invested heavily in a new incinerator at its kennels at Slade Lane, Haverfordwest, to meet the requirements of legislation demanding specified risk material to be burnt at a high temperature.

"We spent a lot of money meeting the terms of the new legislation but we didn't want to let down the farmers who allow us to hunt across their land. We will be continuing this service for the foreseeable future,'' said Richard Wilson.