SIR — I write in sympathy with Angela Stockdale of Wheddon Cross, who wrote re the subject of hunting with dogs (Free Press March 13).

A couple of weeks ago we had the dubious pleasure of their company in Luccombe. It was the first decent day we had had in a long time, the sun was shining, the sky was blue and I thought "Goody, I can get some gardening done!"

Little did I think that the peace and quiet would last for such a short time - horses galloping up and down Stoney Street, dogs barking and, oh yes, we must not forget the quad bikes.

After a while I gave up and went into the house and forgot the gardening.

Then last Wednesday we had a repeat. Again I went into the garden and was greeted by the sound of barking dogs, and when I looked I saw a fox running across the field that borders my garden, not a huntsman in sight.

I then looked out in the front of my house to see hounds running up and down the hedge, again not a huntsman in sight.

When at last a very smart young man with a nicely polished brass hunting horn did arrive, I pointed out to him that he was supposed to be in control of these animals and half the time he did not know where they were. He replied: "B******S".

What a gentleman - his parents must be very proud of him, but more to the point I think his attitude sums up the complete disregard the hunting fraternity have for other people.

Just as a matter of interest, I thought it was against the law to hunt - and don't tell me they only had two dogs, I saw 12 at least.

Maureen F L Gande,

Stoney Street,

Luccombe.