oh dear, I wonder who's actually been on a hunt here?
eh?
I've certainly not, and never want to, but if you think that what happens is that the dogs 'rip apart' the fox, then as far as I'm aware (please note this, I may be horribly wrong), you are sadly mistaken. I'm not saying that I condone Fox hunting, but the truth of the matter is that it is a way of life to some people, and a vital cash generator for others. And not all to do with fox hunting is actually fox hunting.
With regard to the more 'humane' killing methods, it has been suggested that the fox hunt is more humane (although this is likely to be a highly biased view). Do you think that a farmer is going to sit there and wait for a fox to come along and then wait for a truly clear shot before making sure that he gets a clean shot to the head? No, they will lay traps. And poison is also open for other animals to take.
I'm not saying there isn't a more humane way, but at the moment none are financially, or practically viable.
I hope I don't come accross as pro fox hunting, as I personally am indifferent at the moment (although am defiantely against any cruelty caused by a hunt). We don't live in an ideal world, and I'd rather see time and money spent on erradicating bullying in schools, combatting paedophiles, and ensuring that brass bands are brought to a wider audience. However, what I don't like, is a one sided argument, and so far the pro fox hunting camp haven't made a real post, and don't help themselves by calling people 'townies'.
The truth of the matter is that banning fox hunting would affect a lot more than just hunting foxes.