IF AS he has suggested in his last two letter, Pete Lacy (Echo April 29) states that 50,000 foxes are eating British lamb (one fifth of the estimated total fox population of 250,000), I am tempted to add that this is a pin-prick when compared with the estimated 60-plus million human population of this country most of who enjoy a plate of lamb at least once (maybe twice) a week.

I am uncertain of Mr Lacy’s vocation, whether he is a country person or just a ‘townie’ like me but I would bet I know more of country ways than he gives with his impression of knowledge, and spend more time in the countryside than he does.

For instance, he appears to be of the opinion that all farmers are of the pro-hunting fraternity, this is simply not the case.

Let’s get things in the correct perspective, not all farmers are hunters and not all hunters are farmers, and again not all hunters are country folk and vice versa.

There are many farmers who hate the very sight of hunters trampling across any field or heath they feel they have a right to, then there is the question of other wildlife, ground nesting birds for instance. I’m sure the RSPB would love to see a hunt in full gallop across a heath on a bight spring day, or do they only hunt in the winter months!

I am a wildlife photographer and I know the restrictions I am expected to adhere to, and that’s with a camera let alone a pack of hounds, horses and sometimes even guns.

In any case, any farmer who is worried by foxes is quite at liberty to shoot the culprit.

So Mr Lacy you’ll never convince me that the ban is not the correct law that gives protection not only to the fox but most other wildlife to enhance the countryside for the benefit of the majority, not just the ‘Tally Ho'’brigade.

L A O'BEE, Southampton.