J Curtis (Letters, July 10) seems to have confused animal rights activists with hunt supporters.

As legislation to ban hunting with hounds draws nearer, we have seen increasing levels of violence and intimidation by hunt supporters no doubt they are frustrated that soon they will not be able to enjoy their nasty cowardly pastimes.

Yes, they do wear balaclavas and use any blunt instrument that is handy. Unfortunately, a lot of senior police officers and the majority of the judiciary are hunt sympathisers so these thugs are brought to court and on these rare occasions receive no more than a caution.

PHILIP BEAVEN

Merton Avenue

Swindon