TONY Blair's decision to press ahead with a total ban on hunting with dogs is most welcome, especially after the pitiful sights at this year's Waterloo Cup.

Recent heavy rain had saturated, and in some cases waterlogged, the fields of Altcar, which, if the hare coursers had any common decency, should have led to its cancellation.

Instead, hares were forced to flee from the dogs through these fields, often losing all their momentum as they hit the water, while other hares could be seen desperately struggling through it with water flying up behind them to the obvious amusement of hunt supporters.

No appeal to hunt supporters' consciences will ever stop them killing British wildlife. Only a total ban on hunting will do that.

G METCALFE, Moorhey Crescent, Bamber Bridge.