By measuring stress hormones in the blood of hunted deer, researchers concluded that the suffering of a deer chased by hounds is equivalent to losing a leg. Muscle tissue deteriorates and blood cells break down. The animals are chased an average of 12, but as many as 30, miles before they are stopped by exhaustion. One of the hunters then shoots the terrified animal, hopefully before the hounds start tearing at it. Prince Charles hunts with one of the four packs affected by the ban.
Sea horses mate for life and are reluctant to accept a new mate after losing the existing one.
The main culprit seems to be agricultural chemicals which have drastically reduced the weeds and insects on which the birds depend. Making matters worse is the removal of hedge rows which provide nesting sites as well as food. Frogs, snakes and wild flowers have also been adversely affected. Conservationists are calling for subsidies for farmers who preserve habitat and reduce their use of toxins. Please send articles with name and date of publication and witnessed personal statements describing such incidents.