I read with distaste in your October 1 issue, the blatant propaganda masquerading as a letter, from Mr Adrian Blackmore of the powerful lobbying organisation, the Countryside Alliance.

Although it was timed to be published at the start of the official killing season, it conveniently coincides with the eve of the Conservative Party conference.

I know that I am probably in the minority as I live amongst a traditional rural community, but I am very sad that so many people evidently own guns and ammunition to go out into the countryside to shoot at birds and animals; many of which are reared for the blood ‘sport’ industry. I am even more disturbed that these people do it for enjoyment.

It seems highly probable to me that amateur shooters will injure more creatures than they kill outright, causing them to die in extreme pain. I cannot understand how this can be a considered a pleasurable activity.

Mr Blackmore obviously wrote his long, arrogant statement as part of his job, which has the title ‘director of shooting’. If he thought that every reader would applaud him then he is wrong. I don’t.

KENNETH MARTIN, Marlborough