London [UK], December 27: Thousands of people have gathered in Britain on Monday for Boxing Day hunts which took place for the first time in two years without the restrictions that were imposed due to the pandemic.
The Countryside Alliance (CA) said more than 200 packs of hounds - including foxhounds, beagles, harriers, basset hounds, draghounds and bloodhounds - are estimated to have been part of Boxing Day meets held outside pubs, in town centres and on other land suitable for large crowds of people.
Polly Portwin, the CA's director of the campaign for hunting, said: "Boxing Day meets bring thousands of people together: be it families, friends, neighbours or those within our community who may otherwise be isolated over the festive period.
"Hunts play an important role in rural life, with Boxing Day meets offering the public a chance to watch hunts showcase their hounds, horses and trail hunting activities."
She said that many of those who attended Boxing Day meets in public places "will have been supporting local cafes, shops and pubs which opened their doors to coincide with the hunt's presence."
It comes after anti-hunt groups tried to prevent a number of prominent meets from going ahead this year. (dpa)
Source: Qatar Tribune
