How many people realise that those well togged-up university gents, shown in the 'Rewind' picture (Oxford Mail, May 26), would have had the sole intention of finding and ensuring a brutal end to as many native hares as possible, hunted and caught by the charming beagle hounds?

Shortly after the hunting ban, a friend and I came across a well-known beagle pack out hunting.

We were informed by the young gentlemen that a scent obtained by shooting a hare and cutting off its legs was used as a drag.

They admitted that the hounds might "accidentally" chase a hare and looked forward to the ban being revoked.

For various reasons, the native hare population has declined over recent years.

How appalling to realise that people are still prepared to hunt these charming, timid and vulnerable animals for sport.

All hunters, whatever their perceived status, should undergo punishment for their sins by being hunted, uncertain whether their four-legged pursuers would greet them with tongues or teeth.

Bea Bradley, Cuxham Road, Watlington