Sportsmen from around the world unite to defend rural traditions (9/26/2002)

Over 400,000 marched through the streets of London on September 22, 2002 to bring attention to issues facing rural citizens, including the negative impact that banning hunting with hounds could have on animal welfare and rural life.

The Countryside Alliance, a London-based group that promotes the interests of rural citizens, field sports, wildlife management, and an array of countryside concerns, helped plan the September Liberty and Livelihood March. Organizers want the government to safeguard rural citizens from attacks on hunting with dogs and other field sports, and generally defend the rights and customs of the rural people in the country.

C. Martin Wood III, vice chairman of the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance and past president of the Masters of Foxhounds Association of America, carried the American flag on behalf of the U.S. contingent involved in the march.

“It was a stimulating experience to stand on Westminster Bridge over the Thames on a glorious September afternoon waving a large American flag to the cheers and thank-yous of thousands of marchers that filed by,” said Wood.

Even Prince Charles is reported to have expressed support for the protesters.  In a letter to Prime Minister Tony Blair, the prince claimed that he would leave the country and “spend the rest of my life skiing” if foxhunting were banned.

CopyrightÓ  U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance- www.ussportsmen.org

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