For and against at hunt

TAVISTOCK was the scene of protest as Spooners and West Dartmoor Hunt set off on its traditional Boxing Day meet.

Two anti-hunting groups, the League Against Cruel Sports and the Plymouth-based Animal Concern Today joined forces to protest at the hunt.

A slow drum beat accompanied the 70 or so strong crowd of banner waving protesters, but they were still outnumbered by hunt supporters and members of the public who enjoy the customary Christmas spectacle.

There were some scuffles between hunt supporters and protesters moments after the hunt moved off from outside the Bedford Hotel in Plymouth Road, but police said no arrests were made.

Opponents believe their battle may be won next year with the Government's decision to allow time for a vote on whether to ban hunting with dogs.

But hunt supporters hope the day may be saved by the 'middle way' proposal for the statutory licensing of hunts — a move favoured by Home Secretary Jack Straw.