LABOUR PAYS FOR HUNTING CLASSES AFTER BANNING IT...

By Hilary Douglas

Sunday Express

Sunday 25th October, 2009

"A NEW generation of huntsmen are being trained on state-sponsored courses just five years after the blood sport was outlawed.......…by the Government.  Kennelmen, whippers-in, hunt grooms and masters are coming on to the jobs market equipped with a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ).  The taxpayer-funded course is run by Haddon Training in conjunction with the Council of Hunting Associations. The level 2 qualification in animal care and kennel management enables graduates to work in domestic kennels and for hunts.

Edward Winnington, 21, is first whipper with the Vale of Aylesbury Hunt. He said: “It is mildly ironic, to say the least, that this is a Labour Government course, but hunting is not all just about the red coat and silver trumpet and a lot of posh people.  “It is also about countryside management and is at the heart of country living. You learn everything about the animal protection act and are taught how to make sure that no hound is neglected and to treat them as you would your favourite pet.   “This is an animal care degree, so it would qualify me to work with domestic animals too.  You do get the odd posh boy…but you get posh boys who go along to football and you don’t hear about them all the time, do you?”

Evelyn Beeney, 24, has just completed the course and is in her second year as first whip Kennelman for the Hurworth Hunt in North Yorkshire. She said: “While I work solely with the hounds, we offer a service for farmers where we help out if one of their animals is injured and has to be put out of its misery.  A vet would charge a fortune to do the same thing."

http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/136055/Labour-pays-for-hunting-classes-after-banning-it-

For more details of the Animal Care Diplomas and Apprenticeships that embrace the care of hounds and hunt horses follow this link