- The Observer, Sunday February 18 2007
Fox and deer numbers have fallen since hunting with hounds was banned, according to figures published today by hunt supporters. A survey was carried out among more than a third of the 184 hunts registered with the Masters of Fox Hounds Association, and it recorded the observations of the hunts as well as farmers and gamekeepers.
Thirty-six per cent of hunts reported fewer foxes than before the 2004 Hunting Act; 44 per cent found fox numbers were the same; and 20 per cent reported more foxes.
The highest proportion of hunts reporting the same or greater numbers were in upland areas. Hunts reporting the greatest decrease were in south and south-west of England.
And new research from the Exmoor and District Deer Management Society has revealed a 20 per cent decrease in deer numbers in 2006 following steady rises over a 10-year period.
