WHAT you need to know about hunting within the law.

If I wanted to kill a hare for the pot, I could use only two dogs to flush out the hare from cover, then I must shoot it - the dogs could not take part in the actual killing of the hare - and I must also have a game licence.

However, if I got myself a bird of prey and went after the same hare I could use as many dogs as I wished to flush out the hare, so my hawk could catch it and rip it to bits - and I would not need a game licence.

If I were on a public footpath with my hawk on my arm and it chased and killed a squirrel I would not be prosecuted.

But if my dog chased the squirrel I would be committing an offence and could face a fine of up to £5,000 unless I could prove it was unintentional.

In extreme circumstances, dog walkers could have their dogs seized by the police to be used as evidence, if then convicted, the courts could order that the dog or dogs to be destroyed.

The anti-hunt brigade has created a problem for all dog walkers.

If you don't believe me get yourself a copy of the Hunting Handbook 2005 from the Countryside Alliance.

D Wardell,

Malton Road. York.

Updated: 09:54 Thursday, March 03, 2005