FOXHUNTERS in the New Forest are asking the government to stop dragging its heels and give them the go-ahead to begin hunting again.

Foot-and-mouth disease restrictions have stopped hunting in the Forest since February, but New Forest Foxhounds say there is no ban on anyone else going into the Forest with dogs.

"It is beginning to look as if we are being victimised," said New Forest Foxhounds' spokesman Nick Smith, who added that the hunt has subsidised the farming and commoning community to the tune of £12,000 during the crisis.

He said: "They say we cannot hunt because of foot-and-mouth restrictions. But in a fortnight's time, the country will have gone a full three months without an outbreak.

"People have been allowed to ride their horses and walk their dogs on the Forest or a long time and no one is more vigilant than we are in terms of taking the disinfectant precautions.

"Also, none of our hounds have been outside the forest since foot- and-mouth began whereas quite a lot of dogs are brought into the area by people from outside."

The government is carrying out a consultation of interested parties before switching on the green light and the hunt is hoping for a return, possibly by December 17 and at least by Christmas.

Mr Smith also pointed out that hunt staff have continued with their traditional collection of dead cattle and ponies which have either died on farms or holdings or have been killed in road accidents.

"We are making six or seven trips a day and it has cost the hunt over £12,000," he said.

The hunt has also continued with its fundraising activities and its recent annual supper raised £300 for the Whizz-Kidz charity and Carriage Driving for the Disabled.