SIR Bernard de Hoghton states that the last Hoghton Tower Guest Day' duck shoot took pace in 2004 (LT, April 17). In October 2005 animal welfare campaigners witnessed and filmed a duck shoot which was widely reported at the time.
By any definition the Hoghton Tower shoot is commercial shooting on a very large scale. The tower employs gamekeepers. The true scale and profits made from the slaughter are contained within the shoot's accounts, but these have not been made public.
Sir Bernard's claim that he hadhoped to have discussions with the North West League Against Cruel Sports is quite laughable. We wrote to him in April 2006 offering such a meeting, but have had no reply.
Estates which don't rear birds for bloodsports don't have problems with so-called predators. Towneley Hall in Burnley has wildlife that doesn't live in fear of guns and is a true family attraction.
G METCALFE, North West League Against Cruel Sports, PO Box 359, Chorley.
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