As MPs today decide the future of hunting with dogs, we ask whether or not there is an alternative which would be acceptable to the hunting community...

NEVER HAS one animal caused such a breadth of feeling, as has the cunning fox. It is viewed by some as a nuisance, a livestock killer and fair sport. By others, it is a beautiful creature that has a right to a place in our countryside.

Today will decide the future of the fox as government ministers take part in a free vote on banning hunting with hounds.

MPs are certain to vote to outlaw the traditional pursuit but the ban is unlikely to be imposed for two years.

So what are the alternatives to foxhunting?

Well there is drag hunting, a traditional equestrian sport that involves mounted riders following a pack of hounds across country in pursuit of an artificial scent, usually aniseed.

Drag hunting works in the same way as any other hunt except that they don't chase a live animal.

A runner or mounted rider lays the scent in advance. Then the pack of hounds chases the scent while followed by mounted riders.

This way, the route can be controlled and the master can ensure that the hunt does not stray into sensitive areas or trespass on private property.

Drag hunting has existed in the UK since the 19th century and it is growing in popularity. Since 1965, the number of live quarry packs has dropped while the number of drag and bloodhound packs has trebled.

"Drag hunting isn't really an alternative to fox-hunting," said Pat Sutton, chair of the Masters of Bloodhounds and Draghounds Association.

"It is simply an equestrian sport. I doubt that there will be an influx of people joining drag hunts if the ban on fox hunting does go ahead.

"Many of our members take part in fox hunts too. It doesn't mean that they are anti-fox hunt, just that they want to take part in another sport.

"Its rather like rugby and football, they are different sports but both played on a field. Drag hunting is a challenge, although the master of the hunt knows where the scent has been laid, none of the other members do.

"Bloodhounding uses this ancient breed of dogs to follow the scent of a man. Bloodhounds can still smell a scent hours and even days after it was first put down."

In 1990 considerable publicity was attracted by a new development.

This was Mock Hunting, in which a group of riders, without dogs, pursue the trail of other riders.

The advantage is that the "hunt'' can be directed so as to avoid any inconvenience to other rural residents and the dangers of roads and railways.

"Maybe some of the fox hunts will try one of these other sports and find that they like it," said Pat.

"I think that this ban is more than likely to happen and it will tear apart the fabric of the countryside.

"The New Forest will suffer greatly as this is a traditional part of forest life."

The Masters of Bloodhounds and Draghounds Association are not the only ones who believe that the ban will happen.

"It is more than likely in my opinion that they will go ahead with this ban," said Mike Squibb, chairman of the New Forest Hounds.

"I don't know what will happen if hunting is banned. I wouldn't want to drag hunt. Maybe some of our members may like to form a drag hunting group but I wouldn't.

"I haven't tried it, and certainly, it does have a place in the countryside. But it is not a replacement for fox- hunting, as you are chasing a scent.

"Fox hunting, as well as being a sport, is about controlling the fox population. I think that maybe illegal fox hunts would take place here and there. Probably not in the New Forest though. I have read recently of a couple of people who have been accidentally shot whilst lamping."

This week, a 13-year-old schoolboy from south Devon was shot dead while out lamping with his stepfather.

Mike explained: "Lamping is when you use a bright light to mesmerise a fox so you can shoot it, but it can be dangerous. I think that there will be far more of that going on to keep the fox population under control."

In Mike's opinion, the main casualties of a fox-hunting ban would be the foxhounds.

"Foxhounds are naturally a pack animal," said Mike. "They live in lodges and don't suit being separated.

"Even if you keep two together, they become unhappy.

"They certainly aren't suitable for a house pet, they are a working dog. You can never stop them hunting.

"You can't keep them as an indoor dog as they can destroy a house and they need a lot of exercise. Mine get about 40 miles a week.

"Really if there is a ban on fox-hunting I think that many foxhounds will end up having to be put down. It would be a terrible tragedy.

"I am fairly confident that the Hunting with Dogs Bill will fall through in the end. There will be a number of legal challenges after the ban which will defeat it.

"So fox-hunting still does have a future as far as I am concerned."

Ken James of New Forest Animal Protection Group said: "Without a doubt drag hunting is a suitable replacement for fox hunting.

"No animals are hunt and also the hounds are better controlled as they are on a set route. The pro-hunting lobby argue that fox hunting is traditional. Well slavery is traditional, but it doesn't mean it's right.

"Hopefully, if the MPs vote to ban hunting it will finally be a light at the end of the tunnel."