JANET Kirkham (Letters, February 28) says that, in the event of a ban on hunting, "foxes and mink will decimate prey species populations."

The effects of hunting on fox and mink numbers is, by the bloodsports lobby's own admission, negligible. Why then are predators not continuing to "decimate prey species populations" then now?

Even if Ms Kirkham's prophecy came true, the subsequent lack of prey would result in a decline in the numbers of the predators, thus allowing the prey species to recover their numbers. This process is cyclical.

Also, for evidence of public distaste for hunting, she should refer to the many opinion polls on this issue. Between 60 and 75 per cent of the population does, where I come from, constitute a majority.

GRAHAM ASPIN, Victoria Avenue, Blackburn.