MY experience is completely the opposite to Peter Barnes' (Letters September 19).
For the first time in 12 years I recently lost, one morning, all my ducks, my cockerel and three quarters of my flock of free range chickens.
In my view, because there has been no hunting during the foot and mouth period, there is no doubt that the local fox population has increased enormously.
The families are now too numerous to find adequate food, ie rabbit and lamb.
The local hunt answered my plea for help and have put the hounds through the area.
Unfortunately, I do not have the time to sit with a gun and wait for the fox to visit again, nor am I likely to be an accurate enough shot to kill outright. A snare or poison would be cruel to all animals.
Without the help of the hunt I would not be able to go on keeping my chickens and many people would miss their weekly supply of tasty eggs.
Mrs R Spedding
Sampford Manor
Sampford Spiney