ARE we really expected to believe Captain Farquhar of the Beaufort Hunt was distraught when several of his hounds were killed by a train? (Advertiser, January 4).

He has been a huntsman for 37 years. Hunts callously kill many thousands of their own hounds annually to strengthen and replenish their packs, all so they can better terrorise and slaughter wildlife for fun. He must have presided over the execution of many hundreds of healthy dogs himself.

And what, if they were really trail hunting were the Beaufort doing anywhere near a high-speed rail line?

The Hunting Act must be strengthened to stop these ruthless barbarians, but Cameron wants to reward his bloodsporting friends by repealing it.

ALAN KIRBY Hayle Cornwall