11th December 2003

Welcome to the grass e-route
--- improving countrywide communication.


1. 'Consultation' Deadline Closes, Decision Awaited on Irish
Hare Hunting
2. Help Strengthen the Campaigning Voice for Shooting
3. This week In Politics........
4. Take Part in the Biggest Boxing Day Ever!
5. Have you Experienced Dog Theft?
6. Dash to the CA Shop Now

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1. HARE HUNTING IN IRELAND

Direct Rule Environment Minister Angela Smith (an ex-employee of the
League Against Cruel Sports) has announced her intention to ban all
forms of hare hunting in Northern Ireland within weeks.

The Minister has said her department is conducting a review of the
Wildlife (NI) Order 1985 which will examine the recommendation that
the Irish Hare should be included in the list of 'protected' species.
This would permanently ban all forms of hare hunting. The leaders of
our main political parties have expressed concern and outrage at what
Angela Smith has done. NI Executive guidelines recommend that 12 weeks
should be provided for consultation processes, yet Angela Smith has
allocated just over 3 weeks for responses. It is also Government
practice to issue consultation documents on their proposals explaining
in detail the reasons why such proposals need to be introduced.
No consultation documents have been issued and none are available.
The Department of Environment has already received 3,000 letters
objecting to this proposal.
The Countryside Alliance is in discussion with legal advisors about
possible action against the Minister on a number of grounds.

For more go to: www.countryside-alliance.org/region/12/031120hare.htm

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2. STRENGTHEN THE CAMPAIGNING VOICE OF SHOOTING

To protect and promote our sport the shooting community must increase
the size and strength of its campaigning 'voice' as the pressure on all
forms of shooting increases. 'Mainstream' organisations like the RSPCA
are actively targeting shooting and the reality is that unless everyone
who shoots engages in its promotion and defence the sport could all but
disappear.
Unlike the hunting community, shooting itself does not yet have the
organised campaigning structure, which could give these efforts, and
those of all pro-shooting bodies, far greater political clout.
To do this we need to know where you are and who you are - not only you,
but your friends, guests, syndicate members, tenants, beaters and
pickers-up.

Please go to www.foresight-cfs.org.uk/pdf/datasheet.pdf where you can
download forms to take on shoots to be filled in by all those who care
about a future for shooting.

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3. This week In Politics........
· Affordable Housing
· The Big Conversation
· Animal By-Products Regulations
· Animal Husbandry
· Animal Welfare
· Badgers
· Bovine TB

http://www.countryside-alliance.org/...tics/index.htm

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4. BOXING DAY
Preparations are being made to ensure Boxing Day is the biggest ever.
Posters have been sent to all hunts - if possible please offer to help
put them up in pubs, hotels, village shops, riding schools, etc. Many
people do not know that they are welcome to come along to the Meet and
it is a good opportunity to welcome them. Leaflets have also been sent
to hunts to give out to
the public explaining how much good hunting does and how they can get
more involved. Please invite your friends and neighbours!
See the leaflet and the poster at
http://www.countryside-alliance.org/pdf/boxfly.pdf (Leaflet)

http://www.countryside-alliance.org/pdf/boxpost.pdf (Poster)

(n.b. MPs picked in the Private Members Ballot must decide the Bill
they propose before the 7th January 2004)

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5. HAVE YOU EXPERIENCED DOG THEFT?
Has anyone had a dog stolen from their yard who would be willing to
talk (either named or incognito) for the purposes of an article in
Horse and Hound "Dogs Special" issue of Jan 29? We would like to hear
what happened, what help was received from the police, how they tried
to track the dog down, whether this is a particular problem in their
area, and whether the dogs were ever found.

At the same time, we're looking at the benefit of dogs as anti theft
deterrents, so has anyone had an experience where their dog(s) saved
them from being burgled.

This is an ongoing problem, and H & H is aiming to give some idea of
the sheer scale of the problem with facts and figures, including some
idea of what sorts of dogs are most commonly stolen, and from which
areas etc.

We would be very grateful for any help received. Anyone interested can
please contact Deirdre Shields - e-mail: tommo.langley@btinternet.com

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6. LAST CHANCE TO ORDER CA CHRISTMAS GOODIES!

With only 14 days to go, make sure you don't miss out on those unusual
presents that you just can't find in the shops.

* NEW! Exclusive wines chateau-bottled for the Countryside Alliance.
Chateau Boudigand Bergerac (2001 Sec blanc and rouge) labelled with fun
Bryn Parry fox and pheasant designs!

* Essential 2004 Calendar with a variety of countryside and sporting
scenes and plenty of space for writing appointments and important
reminders. An excellent stocking filler.

* High quality travel rug with CA logo, waterproof backing and made
from 100% washable fleece.
and much much more...... at the Online shop at
www.c-ashop.co.uk

*** The Online Auction attracted a record 307 bidders and raised over
£18,000. A huge thanks to everyone who donated and to all those who
took part. We plan to make registering quicker next year to give
you more time to bid***

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In The News.....
The CA website brings you relevant press articles, updated every day
and with an archive section, seven days a week.
To view the latest press articles, go to www.countryside-alliance.org
and look for the Press Says box.
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For more rural stories and a wealth of background news, see the latest
RURAL ROUNDUP, the Rural Regeneration Unit's online newspaper.
http://www.rru.org.uk/projects/roundup/index.html

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For the latest news, developments and access to the CA web pages
http://www.countryside-alliance.org

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