Your article "Is fox-hunting set to return?" (Mercury, August 26) conjures up images of past times when hunting with dogs was legal and a "sport" engaged in by those who take pleasure from killing wild animals.

So there's a proposal to create an independent panel, which would ensure hunts abide by a code of conduct. There are two codes of conduct that already exist for hunting. Firstly there is the Master of Foxhounds Rules, which cover the same aspirations as the proposed new body but which disallowed members of the public from areas where foxes were being dug out!

That of course has largely been overtaken by the other "code", namely the Hunting Act 2004, which has been ridden over and ridden through like the proverbial coach and horses!

There are innumerable instances recorded by the media since the law was created, of illegal and "accidental" hunting. So where's the "abiding by a code of conduct" there then? It's just further paper to hide behind and carry on the pretence that these worthies are doing us all a favour as pest control operators.

They continue to hide behind an agenda that talks of contributions to the local economy and that the sick, old and unhealthy foxes are caught.

The Hunting Act needs strengthening to eliminate "accidents", but that certainly does not fit into the agenda of hunt supporters. That the continuation of cruelly hunting with dogs can be pursued in such a vigorous manner by a minority is a disgrace to our civilisation.

What is more appalling is that the leader of the Conservatives has given his pledge to offering a free vote on the issue if and when he takes power. It was the first pledge he made. What a political agenda, where killing animals for fun takes priority over all of the other serious predicaments of the day.

David Cameron claims that he is taking us into the 21st century with "compassionate Conservatism".

Maybe the 75% of those opposed to hunting, which includes many Conservative voters, will take the hint and vote for parties who consider true animal welfare to be important in their agenda.

Christine Harris, Loughborough.