HARRY MEAD’S comments on fox hunting (Echo, Apr 26) highlight an irrelevance. Animal welfare issues urgently need addressing by all in society and should not be reduced to the status of political pop-up at election time.

By chance, I saw my first fox hunt recently. Having spent decades as an animal welfare campaigner, dog behaviourist and vegetarian, I did not expect the profound change of view which occurred.

Firstly, the dogs and horses were in spectacular condition, both physically and mentally, unlike the sad, under-exercised, often-neurotic pets of my neighbourhood. Secondly, the hunts people were friendly, informative and devoted to good animal husbandry and the health of the environment. Thirdly, in the absence of foxes, poultry were able to roam the grounds freely.

Of course, my principles are conflicted here but other, more relevant welfare problems can be resolved simply.

The consumer is king and by taking responsibility for what we buy we can ensure a better life for animals. The simple act of buying organic milk and eggs is far more significant than an unenforced foxhunting ban used as a motif for class intolerance.

Jacqueline Stanhope, Durham