Eastgate House

Rudston

Driffield

12th January 2005

The Editor

Rudston Newsletter

Dear Sir,

Would you kindly consider including the following article in the next Newsletter.

I am a supporter of foxhunting. I have been sent the following information by the Countryside Alliance, which may be of interest, and concern, to dog walkers. The CA lawyers have advised that dog owners should be aware of the following restrictions, which come into effect 18^th February 2005, when the Hunting Act becomes law.

“HOW TO WALK YOUR DOG LEGALLY.

The Hunting Act has serious implications for all dog owners because you could be prosecuted for allowing your dog to hunt ANY wild animal (except for rats and rabbits). Therefore, if, for example, your dog chases a squirrel, hare or even a mouse, you will be committing an offence and could face a fine of up to £5,000, unless you can prove the hunting was unintentional.

In extreme circumstances, dog walkers could have their dogs seized by the police to be used as evidence if they believe that illegal hunting is or has been taking place. If then convicted of illegal hunting, the courts can order that the dogs are destroyed.

The Hunting Act could also have implications in terms of open access to land. Landowners and farmers who could be at risk from malicious prosecution may be inclined to restrict access unless the dog walker has obtained written permission/offered assurances that they will ensure/guarantee that their dog will not hunt a wild mammal.

Guide dogs are NOT exempt from this law.”

This appears draconian to me, even by the standards of this illiberal government. I hope that the already over stretched rural police force 

can cope with enforcing this law, as well as pursuing and convicting real criminals.

Sheila Ferrett

(This paragraph, which may ease the minds of dog walkers can be found on. http://www.defra.gov.uk/rural/hunting/brief_guide.htm - Ed.)

Hunting is an intentional activity and there can be no such thing as unintentional hunting. Thus, if a dog runs off after a squirrel in the park, the person accompanying the dog would not be guilty of unlawful hunting, (unless he or she then used the dog to hunt the squirrel).

For the past few months now I have been trying to catch on film an odd object in the skies around our area. I live in Bridlington. I first saw it quite by chance from Woldgate as I sat with my wife passing on 30 minutes or so before we collecting our daughter. This was late summer and still light. The object was a yellow oval light that just hung in the sky. It suddenly moved and in a blink was over at the side of us. Since then I have been to Woldgate many times, and have it on film, which has been shown on TV.

My interest first grew when, whilst driving home from Malton about 3 years ago, we had to stop our van so the passenger and myself could observe a huge white glowing object that was just hanging in the air above a field. The time was 4 pm approx and the sky was clear and bright. It was in the Hull Daily Mail. Another witness came forward the following week to collaborate our story. I cannot remember the date, sorry. Then on July 22nd of last year I filmed a bright silver object that was travelling down the coast towards Flamborough. This was shown on Calendar TV. I was asked to go on the TV station but declined the offer. (I don't do this for money.)

I am sure something is happening in the sky around East Yorkshire, and I think other people feel the same because I am getting phone calls from TV and documentary people most weeks now. I’m not sure if you can help in any way through your Newsletter, but I was wondering if any of your readers have had any strange sightings they would like to share, this would help me research this further. Any information I did receive would be treated with great care and in confidence.

Paul Sinclair, Bridlington. Email – Mpeople4u@aol.com