I would like to respond to Chris Gale's recent Chronicle letter concerning so-called 'contempt' from hunt supporters. I wish to explain why I have nothing but contempt for the Hunting Act.

I use my five dogs to flush out deer from my woodland and have been informed by Defra that my activities are now banned by the Hunting Act because I use three too many dogs and refuse to shoot the deer. I have no gun and am completely opposed to having to kill the deer I flush out. I have been in touch with several of the MPs who voted for this legislation including Don Foster and they do not appear to have a clue why the law is as it is.

I've also been in touch with my local police force and explained that I feel that the Hunting Act is too ridiculous to enforce. It appears they agree because I have continued to flush out deer on my farm with their knowledge ever since the law came into force.

My activities discourage deer from areas of my farm where they would otherwise do considerable damage. They are non-cruel and non-lethal.

It's absurd that they are now made a criminal offence. For a law against hunting to require deer to be killed where there is no need is utter lunacy. How could I have anything but contempt for such a law?

GILES BRADSHAW Rose Ash, Devon